《Twin Rising》


 A first step

    Treven spun theatrically, annoyed by the unceremonious welcome. One of the two guards at the door was making a big deal patting him down. Amateur. If the Amata wanted to kill he would not have sent Treven, all of Gorias knew that. The man was frustratingly thorough but finally seemed content to let him pass and ushered him inside.


    It was dark within, gloomy, for one unused to such dealings it would have been intimidating. It would have been very intimidating in fact. Treven however had spent his whole life in places like this. Likely why he had been picked to deal with the new upstarts. They deserved a chance to comply, earned it after clearing out their Quarter of whatever other little gang had reigned before. It made no difference to the Amato. He didn¡¯t care who ran the districts so long as they paid homage to him. As long as these new players did that then they would be permitted to continue in their new found positions. If they didn¡¯t, then they would be wiped out immediately for a more approachable client.


    Treven wasn¡¯t worried about these two. Twins, they were only supposed to be nineteen or so. If that was the case then Trevan was impressed.


    Even taking a lone Quarter required men behind them, for whatever reason they had been given support, enough to kill off the last Clan Chief at least.


    Treven was marched down the steps until finally they came to a larger room, spacious and surprisingly richly decorated. Treven glanced around admiringly before fixing his gaze on the mock dais in front of him. There the source of his task today sat in crude thrones. Already Treven could tell these would be difficult to deal with. They had all the airs of youthful arrogance, and a reputation that had grown so fast that the Amato had felt compelled to intervene, to ensure that the pair knew their place.


    The room was too dark for Treven to make out the faces of the people sitting before him.


    He coughed, he had been working as the Amato¡¯s emissary between rivalling clans for over ten years, a scene like this was one he had encountered hundreds of times before.


    ¡°The infamous Twins. I am glad to be standing here before you. I and my Patron have been most impressed by your recent activity in the lower Quarters. So much so that the Amato sent me here personally to address you.¡±


    Treven saw the larger of the two figures getting to their feet. Averan.


    As the young man stepped into the light Treven had to admit the rumors of the boy¡¯s daunting appearance were justified. A tall, strong man stood before him, Treven was not small, but the newly anointed Clan chief was a head taller than him at least. His eyes were a deep golden color. They caught Treven¡¯s own immediately. The Twins were said to have the golden blood of the Inner circle running through their veins, enough to give them a regal appearance if not enough for them to live like ones. He certainly looked the part, dressed in fine armor and with a large axe drawn across his back he looked every inch a Warrior King of old Gorias.


    ¡°The Amata did not think us worthy enough to come himself?¡± The Boy raised a brow, ¡°Some might call that disrespect.¡±


    Treven shrugged, ¡°Some might call what you do an even greater disrespect Chief Averan. The Amata is the ruler of all Gorias¡¯ streets, so far as you are concerned he is your King. You want to remain in power down here then you best do as he says. And right now he says that you two must do him homage. Starting with a gift. Old Rertan knew his place, you have done well to dispose him I¡¯ll give you that, but what was required of him now falls onto you.¡±


    ¡°Old Rertan was an underling of the Amata. We are not.¡±


    Treven sighed and looked towards the other twin still sitting on his throne, he could only make out the deep blonde hair of his features. This one was named Sandorn he knew.


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    Ignoring him he turned back to Averan, ¡°Listen Boy, if you think-¡±


    ¡°Are you dismissing my Brother?¡± Averan frowned.


    ¡°What?¡± Treven laughed, ¡°Oh I see, he¡¯s the Boss then is he? So what then, you''re the Pitbull and he the brains is that it? Best sit down then, I don¡¯t have time for explaining. I already grow weary.¡±


    Averan put his hand on his weapon and took a step toward Treven.


    He didn¡¯t flinch.


    ¡°Enough Averan.¡±


    The other twin finally got to his feet, Treven raised his own brow when he saw him. He had seen those of the Inner city before, those of the Forty Houses which lived there. Their beauty was renowned, the Blood of the Beast giving them appearances which rose far above mere mortals. Yet even still the one before him matched if not bested any of them. He was tall and lean, he too wore armor but it was less heavy than his brother¡¯s. His eyes almost glowed in the shadows, his face was expressionless but Treven had never seen one so divine before. Such a face would never need to pay for the wills of female¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Return to your Master. Tell him the Twins are the underworld¡¯s new Rulers. And we do not wish to share. We offer him what he would offer us. A chance to swear fealty and donate to our cause.¡±


    The boy smiled, ¡°One chance mind you.¡±


    Treven shook his head, ¡°You are young, I understand that. But you know as well as I do the Amata will not agree. Cannot agree. And why would he? You are high on your success, I can see how a Quarter might seem a fine victory to you. But the Amata controls all eight Quarters. All eight. Why would he bargain with the likes of you. He was generous sending me here. But we have spoken enough. It seems to me you have no interest in Peace and prosperity.¡±


    He waited a moment but hearing no rebuke he bowed mockingly low, the Twins would regret their hubris soon enough. Everyone always did.


    Smiling he turned and headed for the door.


    ¡°The Amata will be most intrigued to hear of what I have said.¡±


    An older looking man blocked his way, however. Treven glared at him and looked back to the Twins.


    ¡°The Amata?¡± Averan asked puzzled.


    He looked to his brother and shook his head laughing, ¡°Oh no forgive us I believed you had understood this situation and your mistake coming here. You won¡¯t be returning anywhere Treven, though the Amata will have an answer. Just not from you. You, you shall be heading to an altogether different audience.¡±


    ¡°Are you mad? I am an Envoy. We are granted safe passage between all Clan Chiefs. You break that then you bring down the wrath of every man woman and child of the Underground. You¡¯ll be forever cursed, without ally or friend. An envoy is sacred, even amongst us.¡±


    Sandorn nodded, ¡°A true envoy yes. But you can hardly count yourself one of them now can you Trev. An envoy is neutral, an unrewarded go-between financed by every Clan chief. You, Treven Undeen. You are a pawn of the Amata¡¯s and have been for too long. You reaped the benefits and lost any privileges of your past position. You and your Amata think you can pick and choose what is to be deemed right and wrong. No more, from now on the Twins of the Depths make those decisions. We are above all of it. You will see, as will anyone else who challenges us. Taking this Quarter was merely the first step, we do not just wish to have the Underground, we want all the city.¡±


    Treven saw the crazed look reflected in the young man¡¯s eyes, ¡°You think yourselves Kings? You truly believe you can withstand so many enemies. Fools.¡±


    Averan drew out his weapon, an axe, the steel gleamed eerily in the darkness, a silver so bright it almost blinded. Arronian Steel, Treven realised, Impossible, even the Amata could not afford such weapons. Who are these kids? And who guides them?


    ¡°Fools no. We are Kings.¡±


    Treven didn¡¯t get to speak another word before Averan moved to him, fast, unbelievably fast. Treven did not see or feel the blow. Suddenly he felt the world spin to the side though he made no move. His body stood still as his head crashed to the ground. He would have cried if he still had the function to do it. He was surprised his conscious was still intact.


    The last thing he heard before he lost it came from his killer above him.


    ¡°Swishh.¡±

 Revealed

    Sandorn peered around the corner, the street was still quiet, empty of life. The passing patrols supposed to be on duty had been well compensated for their absence. There would be no interruptions.


    Sandorn waved Averan forward with what men they had with them, 22 was the sum of their numbers. 22 against 200, is it any wonder the Amata doesn¡¯t think us a threat. But he will learn soon enough.


    He waited until they had all passed before following them out into the middle of the street, faint light from torches aided the moon in illuminating its pavement. The 20 of their clan took up positions in a tight circle surrounding Sandorn and Averan. With shields up and linked they were as well protected as they could be in such an open position.


    Averan stalked restlessly, he was always restless before battle, restless and excited. He and Sandorn were dressed in almost identical sets of Arronian armor, each one handed down to them through generations of their family. Though Averan preferred a heavier build to him. They needed no shield to protect them with such armor upon them. Even their men were better armed than any Clanman had a right to be, a product of the wealth built up for just this assault. Whatever the odds Sandorn felt confident, this was a moment he and his brother had long planned for. A chance for them to truly gain power and influence.


    ¡°They¡¯re late. Do you think they¡¯ve realised?¡±


    Averan spoke in a hushed tone as he leaned in towards Sandorn.


    ¡°Relax, they¡¯ll come. The Amata has to respond, besides they already think us arrogant and complacent. This will only feed into that assumption. It is in our perceived nature to act so recklessly as this.They¡¯ll come.¡±


    ¡°I hope so brother. Otherwise your grand scheme will be for nothing.¡±


    ¡°Ready yourself and remember what I said. Not until my signal.¡±


    They waited in silence then, Averan pacing and Sandorn staring at the wide open street, carefully chosen for the space it would afford them.


    Finally after what seemed an age they appeared.


    Averan pounded on his chest, ¡°It is time.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± Sandorn pulled Averan down beside him.


    Ahead of them the men of Amata¡¯s clan marched into position. The Clan Leader of the Underground had ruled Gorias¡¯ streets for well over two decades. Not without good reason. His men were no rabble of cut throats. They were trained ex-city guards and mercenaries whose sole purpose was to fulfill the wishes of their Boss. The 100 of the Amata were almost as renowned as the Household Guards of the Forty in the High city.


    They had been the driving force behind the Amata¡¯s surge to power. Decimating and wiping out entire clans in brutal displays of power.


    They must have seen the challenge before them as pitiful then. Still they were professionals. They did not rush in, Sandorn saw the outriders scaling the roofs around them, checking for any waiting enemies. There were none. It was just them, the 22.


    This seemed to surprise the Captain for still he did not come, not until he was completely satisfied did he order his men to advance.


    ¡°Yesss,¡± hissed Averan beside him.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Sandorn repeated pulling his brother once more, ¡°Let us take as much advantage as we can.¡±


    The men of the Amata clan came slowly, seeing no movement seemed to give them confidence, it truly did appear as if the Clan of the Twins were just offering up themselves. Perhaps they expected a call of surrender to cry out. Sandorn waited. Waited. Only when the first spear of the Amata clan sounded off shield did he push Averan upwards. Following his lead Sandorn leaped up with him. Together they transformed, just as they had done ever since they were kids.


    He remembered the first time he had tried it, the pain and suffering. Feeling like his whole body was being ripped apart. There were those who never managed it. Or never truly mastered it. Not those with King¡¯s blood however. For Sandorn it was a now part of him as much as an arm or leg, and without any effort he could change. The magic and power behind the transformation was still a mystery to Sandorn, as it was to almost all with the blood of the Chimera, its origins a closely guarded secret even his Family little remembered. But he doubted any could now change as quick and as suddenly as he or his brother.


    Completing their transformation they leapt high over the wall of men around them. Once clear they swivelled mid air before launching back down. They moved almost in unison, their hours of practise far beyond the city¡¯s walls only heightening the already strong link between them.


    Averan attacked first, wiith a sudden burst of speed smashing down into the waiting men of the Amata clan, immediately killing the first row of men now surrounding their own. Sandorn finished his own leap and followed close behind, he too slammed back down onto the street, taking several more Amata men with him.


    The soldiers sent to kill them may have seen such beasts before. But the blood of the Chimera ran pure in he and his brother, purer even than the Houses of the Forty. Even though they were young both of their Beasts were a match for any of the Lords and Ladies of the High city and theirs.


    Averan¡¯s beast was bigger than Sandorn¡¯s, but not by much. Sandorn himself stood 10ft off the ground, even on four legs. Two horns atop and below protected his Lion Head and body and a tail steel-tipped and deadly guarded his back. Without a moment¡¯s pause Averan roared into the mass of soldiers lashing out with tail, horns and paws. Sandorn was not usually so direct as his brother but he too launched himself into the crowd, leaping and striking before any could land a single blow on him.


    The Men of Amata were as shocked as they were terrified. This was far more than they had bargained for. One Chimera they might have faced, faced and died. But two was enough to send them fleeing. Sandorn focused on killing all those around him. Fear did most of the work, his tail and claws the rest.


    Between both of them they slaughtered the Amata men, by the time Sandorn stopped his attacks almost a hundred bodies lay scattered around them. His own men were busy aiding Averan in pursuit, mostly pointing out those which needed to be eliminated. The chaos would have been enough to wake virtually all of the city people sleeping in the nearby homes. Once Averan was satisfied all of the Amata men had been accounted for he nodded at Sandorn.


    Already he could hear screams and shouts reaching his ears as their work slowly revealed itself. Almost all of the men of Amata were laid out before him, such a sight would be enough to have the entire city talking, Inner and Outer rings. It was time to move.


    Sandorn urged Averan up the street to where the Amata¡¯s men had first appeared, he transformed back to his human form but Averan continued in his beast form ignoring his brother¡¯s glare.


    ¡°Averan. Transform back. NOW. We can¡¯t be seen. Not yet. Control the Beast, you are in control, not it.¡±


    For a moment Sandorn was froze, he knew what happened when Averan relinquished control to his Beast, if he did so now it would be the end of them. Finally however he breathed a sigh of relief as the feline features took on a softer look and Averan transformed back to himself.


    He shook his head and looked at the carnage around them, he only showed signs of confusion for a moment before taking the lead and urging their men after him. Sandorn followed on behind. Averan¡¯s beast was fierce, large and powerful, sometimes he wondered if it was too much for his brother. He still had not fully tamed it and Sandorn was often left guessing as to which of them truly contained the other. It was too late to be pondering such things now however.


    The Amata would have been left surprised by the death of his Envoy, but there was little chance he could have ever thought his entire Battalion of men would be decimated by a single upshoot clan of barely 20.


    Even still it was better to press the attack immediately.


    The Amata¡¯s home was intended as a mirror to the Manors of the Forty of the Inner city. As such the sprawling House which he called home was enclosed on all sides by a 14 ft wall, patrolled at all times by his personal guard. Ostentacious and lavishly designed as it was, the Manor was a tribute to just how far and untouchable the Amata had rose in the undercity. So much so that all his illegitimate activities were ignored for the favor and wealth he bestowed on any Officers of the City Guard chosen to investiage him. Sandorn could not help admiring the structure briefly as they looked upon its walls from high atop a roof some distance from the Manor¡¯s large wooden gates.


    Averan gritted his teeth and moved up close beside him.


    ¡°Is this still necessary, why pretend we do not have the Beasts? What good is it now? We can be in and out with them before any can raise an alarm or stop us.¡±


    Sandorn shook his head, ¡°You know why. You want the entire city to know of us? It is better to have people wonder and amaze at just how we did it then to know exactly what power it is we hold. Besides once it¡¯s revealed questions will be asked. Wendon will keep the worst ones off us but this will put us in immediate danger. You know our family history as well as I.¡±


    Averan sighed, ¡°Yes, I do. Fine, sneak it is. Fenador, the bait.¡±


    Fenador nodded and let out a low whistle, down below them two of their men, Tharva and Lear dragged forward the lifeless body of the Amata Captain to lie in front of the Gates. They moved fast, just as they had practiced, upon the battelements challenges were issued but ignored from the Gate guards. Before a warning shot could be fired both Tharv and Lear had retreated and the Captain¡¯s body was left alone, unmoving on the street. Even poorly lit the guards would recognise the Captain from his armor and helm.


    They had to retrieve it, or at least inspect it. Sandorn knew that defeat was unfathomable for them, the same Captain had left the manor with 100 men at his back and had never been defeated by any clan, let alone some unheard of lower Quarter clan.


    It took them a moment to gather their courage however, one guard with sword drawn came first flanked on both sides by crossbowmen. Sandorn ducked low and got his men to do the same.


    All was still, the Guards called out to their Captain but were met with silence. Sandorn inched closer to the roof¡¯s edge and peered down to where the men were steadily approaching the dead body of their superior. Only when the swordsman had finally knelt down to examine the body did he whistle. Low and shrill his whistle was instantly followed by three more whistles as his longbowmen struck.


    At once Averan leapt down from the roof and charged towards the open gates. Three of their fastest men came after him but Averan moved faster than any man should have and had reached the gates before the others were even halfway across the street. The blood of the Chimera gave more than just the gift of the beast.


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    They didn¡¯t wait to check if the eight other longbowmen had been successful in taking out the Guards littered all around the wall. His men were few but finer than any Clan soldier had a right to be, he trusted them.


    The faint sound of swords and killing reached his keen ears as Averan disappeared inside the gates, but no sign of any alarm. Averan had succeeded. As Sandorn knew he would.


    He waited a moment with held breath for any cries or screams along the walls. None came to him. Finally he released his own breath and leapt down from the roof. With the remainder of his men he entered the Gates.


    Inside Averan was busy cleaning off his axe.


    ¡°Now we storm?¡± Averan enquired.


    Sandorn nodded, ¡°Now we storm¡±


    The grounds were practically empty, few lights flickered in nearby buildings but most would have been home to the 100 men and no one came out to confront them.


    Averan set the men into formation, directing the six remaining men to follow up behind him and Sandorn. Once happy he led the way up the the elaborate door of the Mansion.


    He didn¡¯t pause but with a single blow of his longaxe smashed down into the door. With a kick Sandorn completed the task and together they charged into the corridor. The first two guards which met them were littered with bolts from the crossbows of their men behind them. Two more did manage to confront them but Averan dealt with one and Sandorn the other, his own Arronian blade shattering the guards weapon before he plunged it into his neck. Averan was more direct, his axe embedding itself into the man¡¯s head, breaking though helmet and bone all the same.


    That done they headed straight down towards the end of the Hall. A servant stopped in front of them with tray laden with wine, frozen in his step. Averan put a finger to his lips and took a glass from the servant¡¯s tray before downing it. He finished off another before he patted the man across the chest.


    Sandorn raised his eyes before grabbing the man by the arm. He didn¡¯t know his real name, it was better that way. He only knew him as the Key.


    ¡°Our task is almost finished and your intel has proven invaluable thus far, all we promised awaits you. Your family returned and gold freely given for your help. Now tell us, where is he?¡±


    The man looked terrified but to his credit he took a breath and steadied himself, he pointed up.


    ¡°In his Gallery, up two flights of stairs. He has guests. But he will not know you are here. Not yet. The guards had no time to alert him.¡±


    The man straightened puffing up his chest.


    ¡°I have done everything you asked of me.¡±


    Sandorn had to stifle a smile at the man¡¯s haughty expression and tone.


    ¡°Good. You wait here for the rest of our men, inform them of our location. It is almost done my friend. Once finished you will be safe and your wife and kids along with you.¡±


    Seeing the distaste in the man¡¯s eyes Sandorn could not resist, ¡°Do not hate what you don¡¯t understand. If the Amata had found you had a secret family would he not have done worse? You¡¯re supposed to be his slave after all. You should thank us friend. We have helped you more than you could ever help us.¡±


    Sometimes Averan¡¯s penchant for the taverns and drinking dens of Gorias proved useful, none more so than the acquisition of the Amata¡¯s servant.


    With that Sandorn led the way up the steps motioning to the others to be quiet. He thread carefully, his steps measured but the stairs was as well made as it was ornately decorated. No creak or sound gave them away. On the landing he paused. Voices could be heard coming from a room down a the end of the corridor. Steadily they approached.


    The voices were animated, as they got closer Sandorn could make out the speech.


    ¡°They killed my Envoy. What was I to do? I have not ruled down here through being indecisive. I needed to set an example. You think I care about some rumors, some fearful mongering about pureblood powers. Do you know how many people claim such powers? Too many. Most of which I had killed before they could ever use them on me. I will not have it be said I was afraid of some petty twins. They stole my Quarter and had the nerve to Kill Tresden after I showed them kindness. They had to die.¡±


    ¡°Can we be sure they are dead? I warned you about them, these are no ordinary boys Amata, they will be your ruin if you are not cautious.¡±


    ¡°I am sure they are dead, and I don¡¯t care who they are. My 100 would match any set against them, nevermind some rabble of kids with a handful of mercs. They are dead and your worries unfounded, believe me. I do not understand why they worry you so.¡±


    ¡°They worry me so because they are-¡±


    Averan stepped ahead of Sandorn, evidently impatient. Without a pause he forced open the door. Sandorn gritted his teeth but followed.


    Inside the man known as the Amata was stood alongside a man Sandorn did not recognise, he had his face partially covered by his cowl. Both held cups in hand but only one of them looked troubled by the sudden interruption. Only the Amata. The other just seemed irritated.


    ¡°You?¡± The Amata¡¯s eyes went wide and he drew a sword from about his waist. ¡°How is this possible?¡± He shook his head. ¡°No, I sent my men?¡±


    ¡°All dead.¡± Averan smiled, ¡°All 100 of them. Were not so fierce as you would have people believe Amata. We had them diced up within¡­..¡± Avern squinted tilting his head and looking back to Sandorn, ¡°10, maybe 15 minutes. Probably somewhere in between.¡±


    The Amata glanced behind the twins to where four of their crossbowmen waited on him.


    ¡°I have friends, too many for me to count. This will be your doom Twins, you can not hope to survive without me. Only with my help can you succeed in whatever it is you want. I assure you whatever it is, gold, land, slaves, nothing is beyond my reach. With me you will achieve far more than you could ever do alone. I know things. People who can-¡±


    In a movement so fast even Sandorn¡¯s attuned senses barely picked up, the stranger beside the Amata flicked his wrist. In moments the entire room was engulfed in a wall of smoke. Though blinded Sandorn heard the sounds of the crossbolts as they released, followed by the sound of crashing glass as the window shattered and a gust of wind swept through the room clearing the smoke enough for him to see the Amata with three bolts in his stomach and Averan¡¯s axe point deep in his chest.


    Sandron rushed to the window and was amazed to see a figure bounding out of the manor gates.


    Sandorn calculated, the leap should have been enough to kill a man. Or at least enough to break bones. It should have been. But it wasn¡¯t. Either the man is extremely lucky and has an impressive skill for landings or¡­..


    ¡°Averan. With me. The rest of you get down below, gather the others and tell them to secure the Manor. It is ours now.¡±


    With that he leapt. Averan following close behind him, they landed almost simultaneously and headed out to the still open gates. The man had already put some distance between him and them but they were fast. No one had ever come close to matching Sandorn or his Brother when it came to speed. They used it to good effect now.


    Sandorn had spied the street which the man had chosen to flee into and through his own volition had figured out the most likely path he would take. From it they gained on him, still it took them longer than it should have, further strengthening Sandorn¡¯s belief about the mysterious man.


    It took sometime before they were finally close enough to hear the man¡¯s increasingly heavy breaths. With a last spurt the man bounded off to the left, Averan and Sandorn kept their pace, they knew Gorias¡¯s streets better than anyone, they¡¯d spent their whole lives being chased and giving chase through all of them. They knew instinctively that they had trapped the man in a dead end.


    Averan puffed out his cheeks as they finally came to a halt opposite the man.


    ¡°Quite a run that was, and a fine leap to go along with it. Were I to guess I would say you were not supposed to be down here with us friend. I reckon you should be up there in the Inner Ring. It can be dangerous for your kind down here. Don¡¯t care much for Lords.¡±


    The stranger seemed composed, he had nowhere to go now, but already he had gotten his breathing under control. Sandorn watched his hands.


    ¡°Who are you? And why would one such as you be dealing with the Amata? What business could you have with the underworld.¡±


    ¡°More than you know. You and your brother are not so hidden as you would believe. You know I did wonder when you would show up. You are well known amongst my kind. But most thought you dead. Not me. Still, I congratulate you, you have done well. The new Lords of the Underworld. The twin brothers of House Aureate.¡±


    Sandorn took a step back stunned, Averan¡¯s smile vanished.


    Their family name was one they uttered only when they were sure of not being overheard, alone and away from eager ears. No one knew of their true identity. No one had ever spoken their House name to them since their mother died. No one was supposed to know it. Not until they were ready to reveal it.


    The man smiled and pulled back his hood, two golden eyes stared back at them. Golden eyes, pure eyes. Eyes of the Forty and of the Chimera.


    ¡°Whatever you have planned it won¡¯t work. Your family had its time and it passed. It would be better you forgot the name. Forever. Keep your clan, the Quarter, keep the entire underground too for all I care. But know your place. Your family has limits. And for good reason. If I were you I would leave Gorias and head for a more friendly city. There are those which would welcome you.¡±


    Averan laughed, ¡°You talk a lot for an unarmed man trapped and facing us two, knowing our name will not be enough to stop us killing you. In fact it will only hasten your death. Unless you tell us how it is you came to know such a thing.¡±


    ¡°You know our name, it is only right we should know yours.¡± Sandorn added.


    ¡°No, I think not. It is best you don¡¯t know it.¡± The man sighed, ¡°You know it would have been far better had the Amata dealt with you. It would have been easier on all of us. Still, it¡¯s done now. Farewell Twins, you will hear from me soon enough.¡±


    They should have expected it, should have known it from the moment they¡¯d seen the man leap from three storeys without injury. The golden eyes should have been the last piece to persuade them. They should have never have let the man transform, should have cut him down where he stood when they had the chance. But they had never faced another of the Beast blood before, never heard their name uttered by any outside of themselves or their Mother. It had unnerved them.


    They hesitated and it was enough.


    The man leapt and transformed mid air into a Chimera before landing on a nearby roof. Sandorn and Averan both stared in amazement, knowing there were others of your kind was one thing, seeing it up close and in person another.


    Averan was the first to rouse himself and would have transformed but Sandorn held him back.


    ¡°No, not now. We can¡¯t risk chasing him across the city. There are too many eyes.¡±


    The sun was already beginning its rise. ¡°Our aim was the Amata not that man, whoever he was. We need to think, plan and regroup. Whoever he was they wanted and expected us dead. That we aren¡¯t means we are already ahead. We need to use that.¡±


    Averan looked at him in dismay, ¡°We can take him Sandorn, he is smaller than both of us, I can get him myself.¡±


    ¡°I know you can brother. Truly I do. But think, if we expose ourselves than the City guard will be on us, we won''t have figured out who that man is or who he works for or with. There is already too many questions. Let¡¯s not add to them.¡±


    Sandorn felt the muscles in his brother relax.


    Averan brushed back the loose strands of hair covering his face, ¡°We are in it now Brother. More enemies that we could have ever imagined and an entire Conspiracy against us. Had I not a Twin I might feel isolated.¡±


    Sandorn smiled, ¡°If you didn¡¯t have me you would be fighting in the pits Brother. Fighting and winning, surrounded by a catalogue of precious whores and fine food and drink.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps, though I doubt I¡¯d have made it so far, remember that incident with me, Tharv and the City guard? Best I could hope for is a dry cell, though the noose would have been more likely.¡±


    Sandorn led the way back out onto the streets, the early morning sun beginning to lighten their path.


    He laughed, ¡°As if you would have let it come to that. You¡¯d have let your Beast tear the city to the ground before they lay a finger on you.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Averan admitted, ¡°But seeing as it is our city by right I am glad it has not come to that. Yet.¡±

 Preparation

    Their first night in the Manor was spent burning the bodies of the Amata¡¯s men and securing the walls and Gates. The Amata had grown careless in his unchallenged reign, his defences built more on overconfidence than sound planning. Only once he had personally made rounds of the manor and a complete guard had been put in place did Sandorn finally retire to the Mansion proper. Averan had been likewise preoccupied dealing with what was left of the Amata¡¯s men.


    Sleep came easy to Sandorn, he had won the Amata¡¯s own chamber from Averan in a game of coins. The luxurious sheets and bed were a world removed from what he had become accustomed to. As it was he woke after several peaceful hours, feeling refreshed and ready for the new challenges ahead.


    The Amata had not been lying when he said he had many friends within the city, both in the Outer and Inner rings it seemed. Still, most of those friends would be content enough once they made it clear they would be running things from now on. Killing the Amata had been a pipe dream of so many that achieving the feat and destroying his infamous battalion in the process would give them renown and time enough to establish their own status and connections.


    Sandorn had already ordered a replacement pane for the Gallery window, but for now he and his Brother were using the Dining Hall on the second floor for their base of operations. It was far more impressive than the cellars and tavern alcoves they were used to calling their meetings.


    Sandorn savored the wine, drinking slowly. Averan made no distinction between it and the usual fare they drank but Sandorn could taste it. The Amata had been a man of good taste, Wine from Tralor was as highly sought as it was expensive, its pleasant flavor soothed him.


    Averan reached for the beaker on the table but finding it empty he pushed it and his cup away from him. Drawing a dagger he began to idly etch into the table. Sandorn fought the urge to chastise him, Averan already accused him of being overbearing, he had to choose his Battles, a few marks on the table was not one he needed to win.


    ¡°So it¡¯ll be the other Clan Leaders first. We need to get them on side before we do anything else.¡± Averan didn¡¯t look up as he spoke.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Sandorn agreed, ¡°but that shouldn¡¯t be too difficult, rumors of just how we defeated the Amata and his army of men will keep them in line. If we could dismantle his entire Empire in a matter of weeks think of what we could do to a simple Clan. We¡¯ll send Fenador around with a few others to claim our tribute. Eight others maybe, just to be sure. And any who resist we¡¯ll call on them ourselves. That threat should be enough to tame them. They think us Monsters.¡±


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    ¡°We¡¯ll need more men to continue operations here,¡± Averan stated, ¡°We gathered up some of the Amata¡¯s men left behind, we¡¯ll keep them at a distance for now, see how they react to our new regime before we trust them with anything else. That and I¡¯ve already identified a few men of the City Guard in search of a new line of work too. Another twenty should be enough for now, the Manor can be easily defended with a mindful and alert Guard. There are a few already waiting outside.¡±


    Averan stopped playing with the knife and looked up at him.


    ¡°So that¡¯s that. But now then. What about the big question? The Forty already know who and what we are, are we to just continue on as before? We can¡¯t ignore such a threat. They destroyed us at our height, think of what they can do to us now, us two alone won¡¯t be enough to stop them.¡±


    ¡°Not all the Forty Averan.¡± Sandorn laid down his cup.


    ¡°Think about it, why would they use the Amata, why bother? Wouldn¡¯t have it been easier for them to do it themselves? Of course, but they do not want it out that we are Twins of the Royal Blood. Even the Houses have rules. They could not risk exposure. They wanted us killed, nameless unimportant clan deaths. Not every Family wanted us gone brother. We proceed as before, get as much power as we can. The higher we rise the easier it will be for any Houses sympathetic to reach out to us. And they will come, I am sure of it. We must be ready when they do.¡±


    Averan nodded, wearily he got to his feet, ¡°I think I¡¯ll join Fenador, the Amata did us a favor keeping his rivals weak, none of them are fit to challenge us. Still, it is best I accompany the men. Let the other Clan leaders know we will be taking a proactive role in the underground.¡±


    Sandorn waved him away, ¡°Fine, just be alert and don¡¯t kill needlessly Brother, these are our people now, every one of them. Make them give respect, but be graceful about it. They won¡¯t like being ordered about by ones so young.¡±


    Averan smiled as he headed for the door, ¡°Graceful? Yes, I¡¯ll be just that brother, cool, calm and collected. I¡¯ll find you when we¡¯ve done the rounds.¡±


    Sandorn leaned back in his chair, there was much to think about.


    But it could wait, for now he wished only for wine. Grabbing a fresh bottle he¡¯d hidden under the table he poured it into his own cup. There was much left to do. But the scheming could wait for one bottle at least.

 Cool, calm and collected

    Averan was glad to be outside on the streets again. He felt comfortable here, at ease. The streets of Gorias had been his home for as long as he could remember. He, his brother and mother constantly roaming from one safehouse to the next. Always running.


    Averan had hated it then and hated it now. Better to stand and die a hero then flee and live a coward. They had spent their entire life being chased by shadows. By the end neither he nor Sandorn were even entirely sure they were being pursued. Their Mother so intrinsically focused on being hunted that reality had begun to lose meaning. She had been a wreck at the end, her nerves shot and memory faded. Averan and Sandorn had vowed to avenge her as she lay on her deathbed, her and their Father, and all the others of their line who had been so ruthlessly hounded out by the very people which owed them everything.


    ¡°Lord Averan.¡±


    Fenador looked up at Averan with a confused look, ¡°We are almost upon Clan Daroch¡¯s Home. You ehh, wanted to lead here personally.¡±


    Averan shook himself from his thought, ¡°Yes, yes. I¡¯ll lead this time.¡±


    Things had been smooth so far, Averan had spent all morning accompanying Fenador and the others, keeping a low profile he had watched on as one by one the Clan Leaders offered up their fealty. The Amata had ruled for so long that most hardly said a word in defiance. They know their place and are happy to maintain it.


    It made for an easy transition, but Averan would have liked a bit more fire in the clans if they were to be of any use to him and his brother. Still he shouldn¡¯t complain. Things would be difficult enough for them sooner rather than later. It was best not to invoke trouble.


    Clan Daroch were one of the oldest of the Outer Ring¡¯s factions, a long lived and proud family they were the only ones who had ever defied the Amata in his rise to power. It was a testament to the old Kingpin¡¯s skills as a ruler that Clan Daroch had grown to be one of his staunchest allies during his three decades in charge. Averan knew he would have to be firm with them, and their prickly Head, Ru Daroch.


    ¡°Do you wish me to speak first Averan? To lead you into the conversation I mean.¡±


    Averan shook his head and bounded up the path leading to the Daroch¡¯s tower.


    ¡°Nah, I got this one Fenador, let me talk and you just look menacing. Cover me if I require it.¡±


    ¡°Very well then, I¡¯ll make a good go of it.¡±


    The old tower was still a fine looking building, if a little dilapidated now after so many years of use. It was alleged to have been one of the earliest watchtowers of the city, built during the time of the very first King of Gorias, king Anaval. That was over 800 years ago. Somehow the Darochs had come into possession of it, and done well to hold it. Now far within the city¡¯s boundaries it remained a source of pride for the clan. Five guards met them before the Gates of the Tower. One, a little rounder and self important looking stepped to Averan.


    ¡°State your name and purpo-¡±


    Averan gave the man a firm shoulder and barrelled past him stopping only at the door. The guards, shocked by the rough dismissal of their Captain looked on at him in bewilderment.


    Averan continued to look straight ahead to the closed door.


    He banged hard on the door three times.


    ¡°LORD AVERAN, THE MAN WHO DEFEATED THE AMATA AND TOOK ALL THAT WAS HIS BY RIGHT OF SWORD AND ARM. NEW LORD OF THE UNDERGROUND AND RIGHTFUL RULER OF ALL FIVE CLANS AND EIGHT QUARTERS. OPEN.¡±


    Averan heard a sigh behind him, Fenador. He¡¯d made that sound often enough during their years together.


    The Daroch captain came up beside Averan, puffed up and red faced. He was tall but Averan still held an inch on him.


    ¡°Listen Boy if you think you can-¡±


    Averan pulled back his cloak to reveal his full set of Arronian armor, brushing a hand across his axe handle in the process. He lowered his hood and glanced at the man, his own golden eyes meeting the Captain¡¯s brown.


    ¡°Open.¡± Averan spoke quietly, almost whispering the words.


    The Captain hesitated a moment, still staring into Averan¡¯s eyes he coughed slightly. He looked up to a small window above them.


    ¡°The door. Open the door for the new Amata.¡±


    Averan frowned at that, the Amata was the old Boss, he was the new. He would have to think of some new title with which his people could address him. One which was cooler than Sandorn¡¯s, he would have to think hard. Sandorn was always good at naming things.


    Letting it go he clapped the man on the back and smiled, ¡°Easy Captain, I¡¯ll take it from here.¡±


    The man gave a look towards to his men but quickly turned back to nod in agreement at Averan¡¯s order.


    Not waiting any longer Averan pushed in the open door to reveal the Tower¡¯s inside.


    The interior was surprisingly modern and generously lit, torches hanging from a host of sconces upon the walls. Underneath him Averan recognised the carpet as being of Lenitine make, a wealthy import worthy of any Manor or Home.


    A few guards hastened to attention at Averan¡¯s arrival, his appearance and more likely the retinue of men trailing behind them was enough for them to forego any challenge. Besides it was the men outside who were there to do just that, those inside had no such obligation to do so.


    Averan passed through the tower proper and down a hall into a quite clearly different building constructed immediately behind the tower. The stone was more modern here. Not more than a century old by his reckoning. At the end of it was an area clearly designed in imitation of a Lord¡¯s throne room. A poor imitation by Averan¡¯s reckoning. On the throne sat the Head of Clan Daroch, Leader Ru, flanked on both sides by sets of guards.


    Leader Ru was a bundle of cloaks on the throne. By rights he should have stood and bowed for Averan, but doing so might have been enough to kill the old man judging from his frail appearance. Averan decided to let it go for now. Cool and calm.


    Averan gave an elegant nod of his head and feigned an admiring look about the room.


    ¡°Clan Leader Ru Daroch, it is a pleasure to be in such an esteemed and well loved House as this. I am Lord Averan, me and my Brother are the new Heads of the underground. I wish to come to you personally to oversee and introduce our new authority.¡±


    The old man looked at him with unconcealed hatred.


    ¡°How did you do it hmm? Who helped you? I know the rumors, huge Beasts, fierce and invulnerable. How is it that some Outer ring children came upon such powers? I see by your golden eyes that it is true what they say. Some measure of the blood of the Beast flows through you. Who¡¯s Bastard are you eh?? Which Lord of the Inner ring moves you now? Disrupting and tearing down all the hard work of the Amata and me.¡±


    Averan looked back to Fenadorn who just shrugged. They knew there would be some pushback from Old Daroch but this was way above his expectation.


    ¡°No one helped us old man. Me, my brother and our men planned and executed everything we have done and will do. Us, no one else. No one controls us. Certainly no Lord of the Forty. Me and my brother¡¯s blood runs truer than any of them I assure you.¡±


    Averan took a step forward. ¡°We are the new rulers, Leader Ru. Swear your fealty to us and all shall remain as it. You¡¯ll keep your power, wealth and Quarter.¡±


    Ru raised himself a little higher, ¡°And if I don¡¯t?¡±


    Averan took a breath to calm his growing annoyance and anger at the man¡¯s disrespect. Cool, calm and collected.


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    ¡°If you don¡¯t then you¡¯ll meet the same end as the Amata, him and all of his Battallion.¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening me Boy? I was ruling down here before your father ever looked at your Mother with a glint in his eye. Do not think to impose your will on me.¡±


    Averan closed his eyes, ¡°I am not here to argue with you Leader Ru. You either comply or you die. And that is no threat. That is my promise. Which is it?¡±


    The old man snarled but sat back into his seat. He grumbled, complaining to himself for a good minute before finally looking at Averan again.


    ¡°I and my House comply, Lord Twin. You rule now. It is acknowledged and understood by all under my command. You¡¯ll have your tribute from me. So long as I keep what is mine.¡±


    Averan smiled and nodded, secretly he was proud of himself. Old him would have lashed out long ago. He really was learning to control himself. If he could manage old man Daroch he could manage anyone. I¡¯ll be a negotiator yet.


    ¡°We seek only to increase our power, and by doing so increasing the power of those which follow us Leader Ru. You¡¯ll keep what you have and more under our leadership.¡±


    With a curt nod Averan turned, he would have left then, happy and satisfied with his dealings and outcomes but the old man couldn¡¯t resist.


    ¡°Dead within the week. Young fools already in too deep.¡±


    Averan stopped in his step. He heard a sigh, Fenadorn.


    ¡°What was that?¡± Averan turned on his heel. ¡°Dead by when did you say?¡±


    The old man waved him away, ¡°You¡¯ve said your piece and I mine, be off now. I have pressing matters to attend to.¡±


    ¡°Apologise. On your feet and apologise.¡± Averan spoke low, softly.


    The Clan Leader looked at him askance. ¡°What? On my feet? Just how am I to do that, I am no longer a young man.¡±


    ¡°Lucky for you, for if you were I would cut off your head. Apologise.¡±


    Averan struggled to control the anger in his voice.


    The clan leader laughed but Averan saw the twitch, he always saw it.


    ¡°Now.¡±


    A deep silence filled the room at Averan¡¯s words. Such a public display of subservience would be a sign of great weakness in the underground. But Ru had put it on himself. Averan was giving him an out.


    ¡°Very well then, I aplogise for any misgivings young Lord. I meant no harm. Just an old man¡¯s humor. My apologies. To you and your brother.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    Averan had the dagger drawn, fired and embedded in the Clan Leader¡¯s chest before his guards could make a move. Then while a cacophony of noise erupted around him he closed his eyes and forced the change.


    The Beast, feeling Averan¡¯s rage, emerged immediately, it took all his strength to hold it back from lunging at the first man it saw.


    His appearance had the desired effect, the men of Daroch would have heard the rumors, but rumors were just that, rumors. Rarely true and rarely proven. Averan was now so big that he could have easily touched the ceiling on his hind legs, and his frame itself took up the entire aisle.


    He let out a single growl loud and clear, the clan men seemed to understand its meaning. One by one they backed away from Averan and his men and slowly lowered or dropped their weapons. Content Averan lifted his head towards Fenador. He was the only person amongst them not totally in awe and dread at the sight of the Chimera. Fendador understood his meaning immediately. Though Sandorn had begun to master speech even in his Beast form Averan still struggled. Only able to emit growls and howls of anger whenever he tried to.


    Beneath him Fenador raised his hands.


    ¡°Calm yourselves men of Daroch. You saw and heard what your foolish Leader said. Lord Averan was well within his rights by all the traditions of the underground to take his kill. I would advise you all to remember that fact. Should you forget, well then¡­..¡±


    Fenador motioned up to Averan.


    ¡°Gorias has new Lords of the Underground. The Twin Lords will suffer no insults to their names. They demand respect, and once given it shall be returned. Remember that. You have three days to choose a new Clan Leader from amongst your own. After three days the new Leader must present himself before the Twins. Complete with tribute and oaths of fealty. If you fail to choose then one shall be chosen for you. Is that clear?¡±


    Fenador spoke to no one in particular, instead addressing the room as a whole. Averan was quite sure they had got the message. He expected their new Leader to be picked and on his way to their Manor within a day.


    Averan nodded at Fenadorn. As one they began to make their exit. Averan waited until they had passed back into the structure of the old tower and a little away from the clan guards before transforming back. He had to hope the men of Daroch would be sufficiently impressed and fearful of his power to try anything to him in his human form. His Arronian armor could not protect him from every attack. Thankfully no ambush awaited him and they headed out of the Tower, past the now meek Captain and his men and back out onto the street without further incident.


    Averan waited until they were well out of earshot before he cursed to himself.


    ¡°Shit.¡±


    He looked back and nodded nonchalantly at his men. He gave a casual wave urging Fenadorn up beside him. The old soldier raised a brow but duly picked up his pace. He had been his Mother¡¯s most trusted defender and had taken up a similar role for the Twins. He had done more for their cause than anyone, none more so than finding and maintaining a formidable force of men for them to use as they saw fit. Averan trusted him almost as much as he trusted Sandorn.


    ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°About killing the Clan Leader?¡±


    ¡°No Fenadorn, about the weather. Yesss about killing the Clan Leader. You saw and heard everything I did. I had to kill him.¡±


    Fenadorn scratched at his beard, ¡°Had to? I mean I understand why you did. Though perhaps a less drastic measure might have been taken. Still, though I don¡¯t think you meant it transforming into the Beast in front of them will likely be persuasion enough for them to sort out the succession without too much difficulty. All in all I think it went quite well. And Ru was never a popular figure, shrewd as he was. However in saying all that I don¡¯t advise killing too many more Clan Leaders. You will need to keep some of the Old guard around if you want things to run smoothly. You won¡¯t remember the last Clan Wars, before the old Amata emerged, chaos, no one was safe in the quarters. We do not want a repeat of that I assure you.¡±


    Averan nodded comforted by the words. It seemed his slightly rash outburst would not prove too damaging. He would explain it all neatly to Sandorn in any case.


    ¡°And all that stuff you said, about the three days to choose a new ruler and everything. You thought of that on the spot?¡±


    Fenadorn smiled and shrugged, ¡°What can I say? I know Ru. Or rather knew. And I know you. I like to plan for any outcome. Did I expect that to happen? No. But did I expect something to happen? Yes. Like I said, I like to plan.¡± He raised a brow and looked at Averan expectantly. ¡°Pretty good right?¡±


    Averan shook his head but laughed, ¡°Very.¡±


    They went unheeded through the streets until they came to the lower city crossroads. There Averan stopped.


    If he went left he¡¯d end up back at the Manor. Straight ahead led to the Inner wall and gates to the Inner Ring. He wouldn¡¯t be going up there anytime soon. But if he went right he¡¯d soon end up at the Golden Mare Inn. A fine establishment full or good beer, lively women and frantic music. It appealed to him now more than ever. After all as the new Lord of the Underground he was due a table of high honor. That and it was important that the people saw at least one of the Twins as being approachable and amiable to their merriment. He was doing both him and his brother a service by heading there.


    ¡°Right, today has been one of significance by all accounts. We have walked the city, attended every Quarter and achieved a great deal. It is time we celebrated that fact. We¡¯ll head to on to the Golden Mare Fenador, you get back to tell Sandorn all we¡¯ve got done today. We won¡¯t be long getting back to the Manor ourselves.¡±


    The seven men accompanying Averan and Fenadorn smiled eagerly, happy with the thought of drink and a tavern¡¯s delight no doubt.


    Only the old soldier seemed less than ethusiastic, regarding him with a furrowed brow. He must have been near fifty by now, but still stood tall and proud, a soldier trained since birth to protect and serve Averan¡¯s Family.


    ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s wise Lord Averan? Would it not be best for you and the men to return to the Manor and get some rest?¡±


    Averan stretched and yawned deeply, ¡°One drink seems reasonable, an excuse to show face and to remind people that the Amata is no more. One hour won¡¯t make much of a difference.¡±


    ¡°One hour?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, something like that yes, we¡¯ll see how things go inside. But its dark and not wise to be hanging around on street corners, you head on home and I¡¯ll find you later Fenadorn.¡±


    Averan didn¡¯t wait for a response, he pointed the way and his men rushed on ahead of him.


    Averan took a last look back at Fenadorn.


    ¡°Hey, keep Sandorn sweet would you, I reckon he might be a little annoyed about old Ru. Just break it to him easy like. Appreciate it Fenadorn, I¡¯d be lost without you.¡±


    With that he was off, leaving Fenadorn to his protests.


    He felt a surge of energy flow through him with the thought of the night ahead. It would be good to relax for a night, some drinks, cards, girls. Something to take the edge off the growing urge inside him. In any case a night of fun was overdue for him. The worries of today would carry over until tomorrow. Sandorn and all the rest could wait until then.


    They moved quickly and were soon outside the Golden Mare¡¯s familiar oak doors. Even before entering Averan heard all the shouts and roars associated with a tavern full of battle-hardened drinkers with cries of joy, agony and sorrow being heard in equal measure. He smiled, he couldn¡¯t wait to join them.

 News from above

    ¡°AVERAN.¡±


    Sandorn emptied the bucket, the contents washing over those sleeping. His brother¡¯s bed consisted of himself and his two lady friends. Sandorn didn¡¯t recognise them, though he never did. The two girls woke rather abruptly once the icy water hit them but Averan didn¡¯t stir.


    ¡°Sorry Ladies, I wish to speak with my brother alone. Dress on the way out if you please. I am sure my brother was more than generous with you last night, just think of this as all part of my brother¡¯s package.¡±


    Sandorn waited until the Ladies had gotten themselves out of the bed, ignoring their mumbled protests.


    He turned to the guards behind him.


    ¡°Make sure they leave out somewhere unseen. And keep the street clear until they are out of sight. We are supposed to be creating mystery around us.¡±


    Facing back to Averan he threw the empty bucket hard at his brother¡¯s head. This was finally enough to wake him.


    ¡°Uhhhh, Sandorn brother wait. Wait brother. A minute or two. Just a minute. My head is pounding.¡±


    ¡°Mine does too, though not because of reckless drinking but because of your actions. You killed the Clan Leader of Daroch? Why the hell would you do that? I told you to be coy about things. At least until we had got everything settled.¡±


    Averan only snorted in reply, Sandorn knew it was pointless talking to him now but his anger kept him speaking.


    ¡°Why must I always be the one to clean up your mess? You know you almost killed a man last night at the bar too? Some member of Clan Urron. Do you live to cause problems Averan? Is that it? I¡¯m not your Father Averan.¡±


    Sandorn had to dodge nimbly as the bucket came flying back at him. Averan sat up and looked at him with groggy, drunken eyes.


    ¡°What problems? Almost killed. Almost. And old Ru had it coming, no one could fault me there.¡±


    Averan wiped a hand across his face and sighed deeply.


    ¡°Without me causing problems we¡¯d have 100s more. I keep people in line Sandorn. Whether you see it or not. You are not my Father, and I don¡¯t want you to be. Don¡¯t lecture me.¡±


    Averan picked up a beaker from his bed, checking to make sure something was left inside of it he drank deeply.


    Satisfied he wiped his mouth and looked at Sandorn again, this time with a smile on his face.


    ¡°Now, to make things even for the bucket and water I suggest you go get them two girls back. Find me one more and maybe I¡¯ll even admit I was wrong. Do we have a deal brother?¡±


    ¡°Get up Averan. We need to talk. Have an ice bath and sober up. We have work to do. Real work.¡±


    Sandorn did not return his brother¡¯s smile. Finally understanding that this was not some minor work that needed to be addressed Averan stumbled out of bed. He grabbed his head, stretched and rolled his shoulders.


    ¡°An Ice Bath and a hot brew and I¡¯ll be good to go. I wasn''t actually out too late really.¡±


    Sandorn sighed, ¡°Don¡¯t be too long. I¡¯ll be in the Gallery.¡±


    The window replaced Sandorn had already decided that the old Amata had the right idea making the Gallery his primary meeting room. The view it afforded of the city was rather majestic, overlooking most of the Outer Ring and almost all of that which was theirs to rule.


    He waited there for Averan, the cacophony of noise as he ate and bathed rising and falling as he stumbled about.


    Sandorn pressed his hands to his temple. He enjoyed drinking, but Averan always took it to an extreme level. He takes everything to an extreme level.


    He considered bringing up the topic but thought better of it, he was already seen as controlling, and Averan did not seem in the mood to be pushed in any direction at the moment. Later, I¡¯ll deal with his vices later.


    It took him an hour or so to get ready and meet with him, Averan strode into the gallery, clearly awake and energised after his dip and breakfast. Sandorn would have shared in his enthusiasm had it been several hours earlier. He¡¯d been up since Dawn.


    ¡°You have news Brother? From the Inner Ring I take it? Is it good?¡±


    ¡°It is Averan. I¡­.¡±


    Averan had already pulled out a dagger, Sandorn clenched his fist.


    ¡°AVERAN.¡±


    He looked up shocked, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Not this table. The dining room fine, anywhere else fine. But not here.¡±


    Averan raised his hands high above him.


    ¡°Alright, Gods it is only a table.¡±


    ¡°Only a table which I like. I don¡¯t want any writing, any marks, anything on it.¡±


    Averan shrugged, ¡°Fair enough. I¡¯ll honor your request.¡±


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.He leaned forward and looked at him expectantly, ¡°So, go on then what news is there?¡±


    Sandorn sat down opposite him. He pulled at a loose strand of hair.


    I really should say something.


    ¡°Look Averan you know I don¡¯t mind you drinking but-¡±


    ¡°Oh no, no. That is not why I am here Brother. I told you.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know,¡± Sandorn put a hand on Averan¡¯s arm as he made to get up.


    ¡°Just be a little more careful is all. For all we know those women could have been spies. Or assassins. You let them into the Manor without any thought or care Brother. They could have killed us both and ruined our plans forever.¡±


    Averan banged his head hard on the table, ¡°The two girls from last night? Sandorn Brother I love you but you sound like Mother. Are we to live our lives as hermits? Trapped away from all fun and joy? I know both of those girls for years. It isn¡¯t the first time I ended up in bed with them.¡±


    ¡°No? I could not place them.¡±


    ¡°Of course not. All girls look the same to you. If they aren¡¯t Lady Miana you don¡¯t pay them any mind.¡±


    Sandorn drummed his fingers on the table, ¡°Yes, yes ok let¡¯s not talk about her now eh. And it is a relief you knew those girls.¡±


    He raised a brow, ¡°If you hadn¡¯t of known them would have you brought them back?¡±


    ¡°Hmm? Oh no, no, no what? That would be too risky, noo Brother, only those I know and trust can get into my bed. Luckily the two last night just happened to be ones I could trust.¡±


    ¡°Right yes. Well anyways, it does seem like you got away with killing the Ru, one of his heirs seems well pleased to be finally allowed take control. Might just be you done him a favor.¡±


    Averan leaned back in his chair, ¡°I would not have killed the old man if I hadn¡¯t thought it through, I knew about that heir wanting to take his place. It was an easy task to goade him into insulting me. I am just glad my plan worked out.¡±


    ¡°Your plan?¡± Sandorn felt like banging his own head against the table. ¡°Right yes your plan, well congratulations on that. And so far the Quarters have been quiet. Each one giving their tribute and swearing fealty to us. I think the appearance of your Beast might have helped us there too. Although it is going to be harder to keep our powers quiet now.¡±


    ¡°So? Sandorn you do see where you are sitting now right? This is our Manor, our underground. The Clans answer to us. Why should we keep our Powers quiet now? Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s time enough we actually made full use of them. Think of how people will adore us, the only true Blood of the Chimera living amongst them down here in the Outer Rings. We¡¯ll be even more famous than we are now, gain even more followers.¡±


    ¡°Yes and even more enemies along with it. This,¡± Sandorn waved a hand about the room, ¡°This is nice Averan but remember what our Family once had. Our aim is to retake what is ours, I don¡¯t care how many Manors or homes we take, we have to maintain our focus if we want to succeed.¡±


    ¡°And do we?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Do we still want to succeed? Is it what you want Sandorn? Truly? Look at us, we¡¯ve risen from street urchins to small time gang leaders and now to being the Lords of the Underground. Outside of the Inner Rings we are amongst the most powerful people in Gorias. We have a manor we could have only dreamed of before, we¡¯ll have a 100 if not 200 of our own men once we¡¯ve finished recruiting and we can call on another 300 more if we order the Quarters to fight with us. We are rich and hold influence over city affairs down here. Do we need to keep fighting for more? Who¡¯s dream are we following? Our own or someone else¡¯s.¡±


    Sandorn nodded, Averan asked the same questions he did. He understood what his Brother said. And saw the value and truth in it. However.


    ¡°We have a duty beyond ourselves Averan. You know that as well as I. I feel just as you do even if I do not always show it. Sometimes when I look at what we¡¯ve already done I wonder if we are tempting faith by looking for more. But look at us, we, us two alone carry more blood of the Chimera in us than any one of the Forty Houses. We built Gorias, our family. If we are content to stay Lords of the Underground then we go back on all our ancestors accomplished. And we forget all the wrongs done to us by the very ones who should have shown us the most loyalty.  I know deep down that nothing less than what we are due will satisfy us, and I know that you feel that too. Our Mother kept us alive for that very reason. Our family have ran, hid and cowered for seventy-two years since King Avern fell. We have an opportunity to right that wrong Brother. Together we will make things right. Together.¡±


    Averan crossed his arms and looked at him, frowning.


    ¡°Why are you always right? Ahhhhh I know we would grow tired of this. We were destined for greater things you and I. And an Aureate should be on the throne. We should rule. Gorias would be better off for it. I do know it, I just don¡¯t want us to become emotionless you know. We have to celebrate our successes when they do come. Gods know we have worked hard enough for them.¡±


    ¡°Wise words Averan, and if I am right on some things then so too are you, I do forget myself sometimes. I will keep what you said in mind.¡±


    Averan reached over to grab him by the head and pulled him in close.


    ¡°Nobody will stop us Sandorn. Together we will bring our House back to its former Glory.¡± Averan stretched, ¡°Now then, what is this news you had for me?¡±


    Sandorn got up and strode over to gaze out the window.


    ¡°Wendon has sent word. He wants a meeting. Says its urgent. Apparently, our rise has sent waves through the City Guard. We were brought up at their last Convocation. It seems we pose a threat to the established ways.¡±


    Avern whistled through his teeth, ¡°Mentioned in a Commander¡¯s meeting? Oh yes. We really are big time now Brother. But I still don¡¯t see why Wendon finds it urgent. We keep on bribing like the old Amata did we shouldn¡¯t have any problems. Should we? He can vouch for us surely.¡±


    Sandorn shook his head, ¡°Within reason. He¡¯s already helped us a lot, we need to make sure he doesn¡¯t leave himself exposed in case we lose our man on the inside. He¡¯s got to choose when and how he vouches for us. There can no sign of favoritism. And as for whether or not this poses a problem. Well Wendon wouldn¡¯t have requested meeting outside of the usual times if it wasn¡¯t serious. We¡¯re seeing him tonight. By Forgeon Alley.¡±


    ¡°Right, I¡¯ll let Fenadorn know, we¡¯ll take a few good men to cover us just in case, I''ll get Tharv, Lear, Savrth and Grend, that''s enough to face off anything.¡±


    ¡°Agreed¡± Sandorn nodded, ¡°Now go, catch up on your sleep. You¡¯ll need it for the days ahead. We might not have much time for it coming up.¡±


    Averan got up and came around to clap him on the shoulder, ¡°Don¡¯t worry brother, I¡¯m fine. And whatever it is Wendon¡¯s worried about we¡¯ll be fine. Who would dare stand against us eh? One look at me and you and they¡¯ll see the Kings of Old Gorias before them. Even a Dragonkin would be foolish to try us.¡±


    With that he bounded out, Sandorn watched him go, shaking his head but laughing to himself. With Averan beside him he did not fear any man or beast. Whatever lay ahead they would face it together. That was enough to give him comfort.

 Beginnings

    12 Years Earlier


    Averan was half dragged, half helped along by Sandorn. He was tired, hungry and scared. He wanted to stop. To sit, to sleep. But he couldn¡¯t, Sandorn wouldn¡¯t let him. But more important than that Father had told them to run. He had to run. Mother could not help. Not with Catalina in her arms. Averan tried to look behind him but quickly decided against it when he nearly tripped over himself. Father was somewhere behind them. He would protect them. He always did. The Lion King, that was what Sandorn and he called Father. Even when he changed to the Beast he always looked kindly on them. Mother said Father was the most powerful Chimera in all of Gorias. That those in the parades were nothing compared to him. Averan knew Mother liked to say many things about Father, he knew they weren¡¯t all true. But Father could beat any of them. He knew that. Easily.


    ¡°Come Sandorn, this way.¡± Mother veered off to the left, guiding them down another street, this one smaller and tighter than the others. Sandorn tugged Averan along after them.


    She tried to speak like normal. But Averan heard the fear in her voice. Averan felt a tear fall down his cheek, he couldn¡¯t stop it.  Had he not been out of breath Sandorn would have heard his crying, he¡¯d be angry then too.


    Suddenly his mother stopped and barged in a door to her right. Holding it open she pulled Sandorn and Averan in behind her.


    Averan recognised the small house, Father always said it was important to keep moving. He always had at least two ¡®homes¡¯ where they could stay at any one time. This place was the smaller of the two he had prepared for them this month. The other place had been taken by the Hunters. The Hunters always chased Father. But he never got caught. Not really, anytime they got close he turned into the Lion king and sent them away.


    But this time was different. Father tried to hide it but he wasn¡¯t ready for the Hunters when they came. Averan had never seen the Beast angry, hearing and seeing what his Father could do to a man was scary. More scary than that however was the other Beasts. Beasts which tried to hurt Father. They were not nearly as big as him. But Averan had spotted four of them before they fled.


    Mother quickly rewrapped Catalina in her blankets which had become scattered as they fled. She began to sing softly to her as the Baby cried out. Averan wiped away his tears and moved closer to Mother. He could feel secure when he was near her. He tried to avoid Sandorn¡¯s glare. His brother would be mad at him for crying, only Babies do that. But he didn¡¯t care right now.


    They stayed like that for what seemed like hours until fnally they heard a knock on the door. Mother released Catalina slowly, careful not to wake her. Handing her to Sandorn she got up, placing a finger to her lips as she did so.


    A minute passed before a knock came again. Averan wanted to rush out. It must be Father, he had to be finished and back by now. It was alway like this. This time his knock was different though.


    Mother slowly took out a dagger tied about her waist. She moved stealthily, reaching the door she raised the blade to head height.


    Just as she placed her hand on the door however it came crashing down before her. A ball of dust and steel bursted inside, men Averan did not recognise came piling in. One came straight for him scooping him up off the floor as if he was nothing, his flaying fists having little effect other than to hurt his own hands as they beat down on the metal plate.


    More men kept coming, one picked up Catalina, by now she was wide awake and screaming, calling desperately for Mother. Sandorn was being held just like Averan was, his brother¡¯s protests proving as ineffective as his own. They could only watch helpless as their Mother struggled in the grip of one of the men, she slashed out with her knife slicing across the man holding her. The blade Arronian, it cut easily, the shrieks of the man almost matching Catalina¡¯s in volume. That only seemed to spur on his comrades, two of them drawing swords and advancing on Mother. She tried to lash out again but they easily swatted her aside. Her dagger clattered onto the floor. The man she¡¯d cut before got up and rushed over, grabbing Mother roughly by the hair and forcing her down onto the table. Sandorn cried out now, he almost pulled himself away for a moment but one stinging strike from the soldier holding him sent him sprawling. Averan could only watch with horror as the man bent back his Mother¡¯s arm and began pulling on her clothes. The soldier was a monster, laughing as he held her down. His mother was screaming now, louder than any other her cries echoed in Averan¡¯s ears. Sandorn was bleeding from the blow to the side of his head. Catalina was being held awkwardly in the hands of a solider. Watching it all unfold Averan felt an unfamiliar feeling settling into his stomach. Rage. He felt as if it was inside him, bursting to be out. Averan had been frozen, his soldier¡¯s grip on him loose, grabbing him by the collar. Because of this he was able to duck and quickly remove his shirt to slip away from the soldier. Before they could react he picked up the dagger Mother had dropped and attempted to stab the soldier now atop her. His strength was weak, the blade heavy but Arronian steel needed little to draw blood. The man had dropped his own garments now, though Averan didn¡¯t understand why, and left his calf exposed. As Averan did his best to draw the knife across him he surprised himself when the blade drew blood. Shallow but enough to force the man upright.


    Sandorn had used Averan¡¯s distraction to free himself too, pretending to be lying lifeless on the floor now he sprung up and charged at the man jabbing a fork he¡¯d picked from the table onto the man¡¯s other calf.


    Two guards came for them, but now both had swords drawn. Mother was still weeping but pushed the man atop her aside before slamming a plate over his head. As the blood poured she held out a shard keeping Sandorn and Averan behind her as they backed away into the corner. The two soldiers advancing looked back expectantly to their Captain. He looked angry.


    Sandorn put a hand in front of him as if to protect but for once Averan did not want it.  He felt no fear, just anger, fury, rage. These men needed to leave. Needed to die. Now.


    Averan heard the whistle before he saw the arrows. One, two, three, a pause then one, two, three more arrows came flying into the room. The two guards in front of them both fell with arrows in their necks. One by one the other guards crumbled. Once they were all down only the monster remained, he¡¯d scrambled away from Mother now. She had rushed over immediately when the soldier holding Catalina fell. Grabbing her she quickly dashed back over to where Sandorn and he stood with knife and fork raised.


    Averan¡¯s eyes filled with tears again when what remained of the doorway torn away and Father came in. Happy tears. Father had one look at them before his eyes fell on Mother and down to her torn dress. The look on his face was unrecognisable to Averan. He almost cowered just glancing at it. Father turned slowly.


    The monster was now huddled in the corner. Averan looked at him and saw him as a man again. A sad man, he looked small before his Father. The man raised his sword but Father smashed it away with his own before bringing his sword down to cut the soldier¡¯s arm just below the elbow. It clattered onto the ground. Averan smiled through tears as the man¡¯s cries reverberated around him.


    Father took another step and this time took the man¡¯s opposite leg, removing his lower leg from his body. Averan laughed.


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    The man slid helplessly to the ground. Father stood over him a moment before drawing his dagger. He kicked the man¡¯s leg away before he slamming the blade down hard. It landed below the man¡¯s belly, below his belt. The man stopped crying immediately. Instead he began to whine, Averan remembered a puppy they once had. He remembered how it had cried when they¡¯d been forced to give it away. Small, pitiful cries. The man¡¯s were much the same.


    Ignoring him Father turned back to face them. Instantly his face took on a softer touch. A worried look.


    ¡°Did he-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine Drevan. He didn¡¯t¡­.he didn¡¯t.¡±


    Mother embraced him with Catalina now in her arms, Father pulled in Sandorn and Averan beside them.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been betrayed,¡± he whispered. ¡°Our plans in ruin Senara. We must flee. Leave the city. There is little time to explain nor show you what I mean. Later.¡±


    Father slowly grabbed Mother gently by the elbows.


    ¡°Listen to me. Fenadorn will lead you away. I will follow. Go with him and you will find a safe place. Once we are all together again we can leave this city once and for all.¡±


    Father stopped to kiss Catalina on her forehead. Looking down to Sandorn and Averan he hugged them tightly.


    ¡°I am sorry. For everything. But I will make it up to you. All of it.¡±


    ¡°My King.¡±


    The two guards who had accompanied Father burst into the room, Tron and Fenadorn. Both had longbows drawn with arrows already notched. Both were like Father, bloodied and their armor dented and without shine.


    ¡°They are almost upon us. Your orders sire?¡± Tron asked.


    Father nodded and turned back to his family.


    ¡°We will cover your escape. Once we can we¡¯ll regroup. I promise,¡± he added before Mother could protest.


    He kissed Mother and led them outside, he looked to the two guards he had remaining.


    ¡°Go with them, keep them safe, at all costs. I will deal with whatever comes after us.¡±


    Both men nodded. No one ever questioned his Father¡¯s command.


    Father peered outside the door, Averan could hear shrieks and roars, distant, but every moment they drew ever closer.


    Father smiled down at them once again, ¡°Be Brave my sons.¡±


    That was all he said, but it didn¡¯t matter. They would see him again soon.


    ¡°Come along boys, we will see your Father after.¡±


    Mother spoke without rush or irritation now, calm, in control. She stopped only a moment to kiss Father, they stared into each other¡¯s eyes for another moment before he led her away out the door.


    With that they were away again. Now they had the two guards behind them to guard their rear. Averan and Sandorn ran hand in hand, but sharing a similar thought they both stopped almost simultaneously, turning around they saw the flash of their Father changing and his transformation into the Beast. Seeing him like that Averan felt relieved, he could not be killed, he is too powerful.


    When they ran now they moved with fresh enthusiasm, sounds of fighting broke out behind them. Fenadorn helped him and Sandorn as they went.


    They kept climbing, further and further up Lonely Hill, Averan¡¯s legs had never hurt so much as they did now, but they had to run, had to flee. Only at the top did they stop. There Mother had came to rest at a clearing, where a statue of King Anaval the First stood proud overlooking the city. Averan wasn¡¯t sure why she stopped but soon came to realise as he followed her gaze.


    In the early morning sun the view afforded them a look down at where they had just fled. Down to where Father was atop city roofs.


    Catalina cried out at the sudden stop but Mother seemed frozen, she did not move.


    Tron came up beside her and tried to pull her away but she ignored him completely. Her only thought for Father.


    The figures appeared tiny, the sounds of Battle faint. But they were blood of the Chimera. Pure blood, that is what Mother and Father always said. They could see far beyond most. Averan quickly made out his Father. He wished he hadn¡¯t. He tightened his grip in Sandorn¡¯s hand. Down below Father was being mercilessly hunted, he was bigger than those around him, but it was three against one. To his Father¡¯s left and right lay two lifeless bodies of Chimeras. Still with three remaining they could attack on all sides.


    Again Tron and Fenadorn tried to prise their Mother away. Again she ignored them. Sandorn too ripped away when Fenadorn tried to turn him. Catalina¡¯s cries grew quieter.


    It was inevitable.


    His Father stumbled, a tail of one of his attackers breaking through his tired looking defense to slash him across the face.


    Behind him another of the Chimeras saw their opportunity arrived. With a leap they landed themselves upon Father¡¯s back. Exposed the two other Chimeras charged at him. Father desperately lashed out, managing to whip his tail around to knock aside one and his horns to gore the other. His attention diverted the one still left on his back bit down hard, the roar which came from his Father was enough to wake the whole city. It sent shivers through Averan¡¯s body and mind. He felt cold, the sweat from running solidifying on his skin.


    Father somehow drew on what energy he had left to use tail and paw to throw off the Beast clamped down on his neck. There was no respite however. The moment he threw one off the other two returned, flanking him. One attacked his right, the other his left. Both slammed into Father almost at the same moment. Averan felt his own ribs tighten as he watched.


    Mother thrust Catalina into Sandorn¡¯s arms and tried to wrest free of Tron who now held her, preventing her from going to Father¡¯s aid. She struggled in vain as he held her steady.


    Averan had only seen his Mother¡¯s Beast once, it was not near so big as Father¡¯s but lighter, fast and agile. She¡¯d been away from them then, had disappeared and only returned to them after days away. She had never changed since. Averan knew why she wanted to change again now. He could see as well as she could. He and Sandorn had often imagined what theirs would look like. But they were too young, even Father agreed it was too early. Never had Averan wished he could change more then he did now.


    Father was weary, overwhelmed. Averan could see him lying on the rooftop, lifeless, surrounded. One of the Beasts still standing faltered and collapsed almost in front of him. The other two however attacked in unison, each of their spiked tails striking Father simultaneously. Averan couldn¡¯t see the blood, but he knew, he knew it was pouring out before him.


    While the others kept their tails embedded in the larger Chimera¡¯s body, the one which had fell dragged themselves up to stalk over and stand facing their Father. It now looked like he was bowing down to the injured Chimera. It was a position no King should have to face. The Chimera did not attack however. Why Averan didn¡¯t know. Did he now want to talk with Father?


    ¡°No.¡± Sandorn whispered beside him.


    But Father was a King, he did not cower, did not give in. With a roar that Averan felt shook the city he pounced. He was not clear of the tails, Averan saw them ripping out of his body, forced out by the strength of his leap. A deathly leap, a costly one. His Father¡¯s last move placed him atop the one in front, Averan saw him bite down hard at the neck. In a furious reprisal the other two screeched before similarly leaping on Father. One by one they bit down on him, tearing him to shreds with tail, claws and horns.


    Mother screamed beside him but Averan heard nothing, he did not hear when Tron roared for Fenadorn to pick up the twins, did not feel it when his Father¡¯s young guard picked them up on his shoulder and began to bound away. His eyes wandered back to the roof, back to his Father. His Father who was dead. Killed by the Hunters, those who went against his Family. Who had destroyed it. He would destory them. All of them.


    He glanced across to Sandorn, he stared blankly, seeing nothing they passed in their flight. Sandorn¡¯s eyes glowed with a fire. Averan felt it coursing through him as it did his Brother. Together. Together they would be their Father¡¯s sons. Together they would fulfill his dreams. Help Mother, help Catalina and end their Family¡¯s suffering. They would do it. The Twins Aureate.

 Rivalries

    The tavern was quiet, as it always was. Only accessible after traversing through one of the city¡¯s longest and narrowest alleys it had been a popular haunt of the Underground¡¯s leadership since the beginning.  No outsider ever passed through its doors. Any brave or enthusiastic city guards which ever thought to raid it faced a difficult journey in, by the time they reached the basement drinking hole their arrival had been long since foretold. All of this made it the perfect meeting point for Averan and Sandorn to meet any city guardsmen sympathetic to their cause.


    The history of the City¡¯s army and the Kings was long. Established in the earliest days of Gorias the force had traditionally been led by a close relative of the King, usually a brother, a cousin or uncle. The title had become hereditary in all but name.


    Right up until the end the city guard were Kingsmen. The last commander however had proved a traitor. Father had often told them of all about the ¡®black blemish¡¯ on their Family¡¯s House. Dagdan Aureate. He¡¯d betrayed the Family and sold out his own blood for the promise of kingship of the small neighboring city of Andalen. Since then the Forty had done much to ensure the men in charge of the Guard remained loyal to their new governance. Despite this Averan knew that many of the old Guard and their families still held a fondness and nostalgia for the Kings. For House Aureate. If not enough to commit treason than certainly enough to aid them in small ways. Wendon was one such man. His family had  produced many notable warriors, even some which had reached the Keepers. The old Royal Guard of the Kings.


    His father had been one of those rooted out in the upheaval, going from the Commander¡¯s chief officer to a simple Captain. Wendon had not forgotten that slight, and Fenadorn had brought him into contact with the twins. Averan was glad once again of the fact. He held great sway amongst the rank and file of the army. More times than Averan could count he¡¯d helped clear a street or avoid a patrol with his influence.


    They waited for him, he, Sandorn and Fenadorn. Only the barkeep kept them company. A man known only as Silent Ed, for the most he ever offered in conversation was a grunt or sigh. A man well suited to his surroundings.


    He was a little late. Which was unusual, Wendon was never late.


    They had been waiting for almost half of an hour before he arrived.


    A heavy rain had been falling on the city since morning. Wendon looked like he¡¯d been out in it for a long period of time. The water poured off him as he wiped himself down and entered. Shaking off his cloak he came up to sit beside the fire, pulling up a seat next to Fenadorn.


    ¡°I hear your real Lords now. Lords of the Underground. I¡¯ll admit, I¡¯m impressed. I did not think the Amata would be so easily removed. You surprise me.¡±


    Sandorn shrugged, ¡°We planned it long enough.¡±


    ¡°You did,¡± Wendon agreed, ¡°No denying that.¡± He waved over at the barkeep for a drink.


    ¡°Another thing that surprised me is just how you did it. The old Amata was more capable than most, his men better trained, better equipped and better led than any Clan had a right to be. His lads were professionals, many were good men released from the Guard. Yet with your 20 you cleared them out. In a night. Might I ask how?¡±


    ¡°You might,¡± Sandorn shrugged, ¡°But I don¡¯t see why. I think you already know how we did it.¡±


    Wendon eyed him sideways but slowly smiled. ¡°So it is true then. Chimeras. Well that explains why I¡¯m here.¡±


    Averan called for another drink, ¡°Meaning?¡± .


    ¡°Meaning you¡¯ve drawn quite a lot of attention to yourselves. And not from the City Guard Chamber, I mean from above them.¡±


    ¡°The Forty?¡± Sandorn asked, ¡°They have already tried using the Amata to get at us.¡±


    ¡°Well now they¡¯ve moved on to the City guard. One of the Lieutenants from the citadel sent word to me. Seems they have big plans for you. Of course they ain¡¯t putting it as such. Oh no, it¡¯s coming under the pretense of clearing out the underground once and for all. Shutting down any illegal gambing, unsanctioned whorehouses, fighting pits, that kind of thing. You two aren¡¯t mentioned specifically but it only focuses on the three quarters now under your control. Whatever they might claim this is nothing but a sanctioned attack on you, no one else. You¡¯ve got attention of the wrong kind on you I¡¯m afraid. That manor of your is being watched as it is. Men with eyes of everyone that comes and goes from your base of operations. That¡¯s why I was so late getting here. I had to make doubly and triply sure nobody caught me lurking about. If I¡¯m seen speaking or dealing with you then there will be hell to pay. For me and you.¡±


    ¡°Your wise to be cautious, I¡¯d rather that than early. Tell us then, do you know who urged this attack? Were any Chimereans seen coming in or out of the citadel?¡± Sandorn leaned in close, cautious even despite the lack of patrons around.


    Wendon shook his head, ¡°None. All we know is that it came from the High city. From the Inner ring. Someone up there wants you dead, gone forever.¡±


    ¡°What exactly are they planning to do? When?¡± Averan asked.


    Wendorn scratched at his beard, Averan regarded him closely. His face was an ordinary one. A  forgettable one. One easily lost in a crowd.


    It suited his line of work giving the Twins information. Everything about him was understated, average height, average build. A short well kept beard with a short cut on top. Had Averan not seen Wendon in battle he would never have thought him a dangerous man. Fortunately he had.


    ¡°Well, my man didn¡¯t have all the answers, he¡¯s just to have his men ready to go when called upon, but he and the others reckoned three days from now, on the moon turn. As for what? My guess is a simple raid and eliminate.¡±


    Averan and Sandorn frowned but Fenadorn nodded knowingly.


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    ¡°Ahh,¡± Wendon realised, ¡°I suppose it is a bit before your time. Raid and eliminate used to be the bread and butter for a city guard. Now it¡¯s all bureaucracy, everyone is paying off everyone else so you can never tell who¡¯s untouchable and who needs to be shown as an example. Makes me sick.¡±


    Averan raised a brow, though Wendon was certainly against the disposal of the Kings and House Aureate, his feelings only went so far. He still needed gold to keep his information fresh, as they had learned from their past dealings. Without the incentive of coin he was far less willing to share secrets of the citadel. Still, now was not the time for questioning morals, whatever his reasons Wendon had always proved valuable.


    ¡°Look, it¡¯s like this. Basically, they are going to come in, search every known and unknown premise of yours, rough up a couple of your clientele, get some dirt, anything they can stick on you. Then they¡¯ll attack that manor of yours. Of course the Twins of the Underground can¡¯t just let themselves be taken, oh no. You have to resist. And when you do¡­BAM.¡±


    Wendon slammed his fist down on the table. ¡°They¡¯ll take you out. Without anyone able to say a word against it. Not that they would, it would only expose them to danger.¡±


    ¡°If they knew about the Chimeras then surely they must have safeguards in place? What exactly do they expect will happen if we transform?¡±


    Averan nodded ast Sandorn¡¯s question, it would take more than the city guard to stop them.


    Wendon shrugged, ¡°That I am afraid, is classified. All I know is that they know about your Beasts. So, there¡¯s no way they haven¡¯t planned it out. Or more likely there is no way those who ordered them would send them in without having some way of killing you. Whatever it is they¡¯ll have something ready. I¡¯m sure of it.¡±


    A silence fell over them then. Averan was the one to finally break it, tired of thinking without any sound bar that of Wendon and his mead.


    ¡°First of all we need to find out who it is that¡¯s ordering this. It¡¯s someone from above, we know that, someone from the Forty, question is who?¡±


    ¡°Not who,¡± Sandorn shook his head, ¡°We¡¯re dealing with more than one person remember, more than one family even. Most of the Circlets owe their power to our Family¡¯s demise, they would be sure to want us kept down. I don¡¯t think we are facing one enemy. We¡¯re facing an entire regime.¡±


    Avern wiped down his face, Sandorn had lectured him often enough times on the current political landscape. The Forty Houses had always been divided into levels, though it had only really became important in the latter years of his Family¡¯s rule and formally adopted into High society with the end of it.


    Of the Forty, 6 were considered amongst the most powerful. They were referred to as the Circlet Houses. Then came the Garnets, of which there were 12. And finally the Wreaths, made up of the remaining 22 Houses. In theory Houses could rise and fall, but such occurrences were so rare that it was almost considered impossible by most. Or at least they were rare, before the Disposal.


    ¡°So that¡¯s that then,¡± Averan frowned, ¡°Forgetting about what allies they¡¯ll have in the lower Houses let¡¯s focus on the 6 Circlets. Each one 100 Household Guard, that¡¯s 600 there. Each House probably boasts what¡­..6 adult Chimeras? 7? A fair challenge that.¡±


    ¡°Not all the Circlets are prospering. Though the politics of above are a closely guarded secret I have heard rumors.¡± Fenadorn paused to take a sip of his mea. ¡°The Forty are not so well unified as they would claim. The problem is knowing who to approach and who to be wary of.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, well at least we know.¡± Sandorn placed a hand on Wendon¡¯s shoulder, ¡°I thank you Wendon. Tell me, if it came down to it. If there was an ultimatum in front of the like minded men of the City guard to yourself. Would they give us support? The Kings Aureate?¡±


    Wendon raised a brow and looked at Sandorn and back to Averan.


    ¡°Many would yes, I¡¯d bet a fair fare on that. Especially with all the new regulations that are being introduced, they have not gone down well. Commander Grevus has alienated a great deal of his men with his constant seeking of change and modernization. That and there¡¯s still a core of boys distant cousins and family friends to the Houses which fell when the Kings died out¡­..well I mean¡­not died out, died out¡­.but you know. Fell. They¡¯d be willing to risk a great deal if they thought they might be reinstated in their old posts, posts that their fathers and grandfathers held. But I warn you, they will only risk so much, pride and loyalty is great and all, but you¡¯d need to show them some chance of winning.¡± Wendon wagged a finger at them,  ¡°You would.¡±


    Sandorn motioned over the barkeep,¡°Well, that¡¯s enough talking for today Wendon, you best be getting back. You know what these streets are like past dark. And even our protection can only go so far. You are still a city guard after all. We¡¯ll be in touch. Soon.¡±


    Averan downed his drink and Sandorn and Fenadorn followed suit. Wendon looked on confused until Averan gave him a nudge and nodded at the cup in front of him. Wendon looked down at his almost fresh drink and sighed. He smiled grimly.


    ¡°Cheers.¡±


    With that he pulled back up his hood and wrapped himself up once more. Wordlessly he left them and headed back out into the streets.


    Averan tossed the barkeep a few silver coins and handed up his cup for another.


    ¡°We could leave?¡± Fenadorn placed his cup down carefully, ¡°You know your father planned to before the end. To leave the city and start anew. You have the opportunity to do what he couldn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°We aren¡¯t going to leave Fenadorn.¡± Averan said quietly. He didn¡¯t need to see his Brother¡¯s face, he knew he agreed.


    ¡°We knew what we were doing when we started our rise. This is unwelcome but inevitable. At least we have warning and some power from which to fight back.¡±


    ¡°Averan is right Fenadorn, and you know that leaving is not an option, no more than it was for our father. For better or worse Aureate is tied to this city, as are we. We won¡¯t run.¡±


    Sandorn turned to Averan, ¡°Remember what you said, about Commander Grevus? About that establishment that he likes.¡±


    ¡°I remember,¡± Averan said, ¡°and I¡¯ve got people in there now who can help us. You think it¡¯s time?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes I do. Desperate times call for desperate measures and all that.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll need the other clans. .¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s good that we have them.¡±


    Fenadorn coughed loudly, ¡°Will you be informing me about this desperate plan at some stage?


    Averan smiled as the barkeep brought him over a fresh round. He clinked his own cup off their old protector¡¯s.


    ¡°Ready yourself. We¡¯ve got some work to do.¡±

 Change

    Sandorn was not used to feeling small. He was sure Averan was not used to it either, unlike him however Averan seemed to be enjoying the fact, which only served to infuriate Sandorn further.


    They¡¯d ordered the Clans to a meeting. They needed their men, and as Amata it was in their right to call on them. Still, the underground was not known for its organisational skills. They¡¯d even complained about being called to a meeting. Sandorn was content to let them complain but Averan sought a different tact. He¡¯d heard the rumors of the Mountain twins, two young brutes escaped from the fighting pits of Lentar and now somehow in the employ of Clan Urda. Averan was instantly fascinated. All it had taken was a slight prod and his brother had challenged the twins to a fight. A fight set up as an opener to the Meeting. No weapons, no armor, just one set of twins against another. Averan claimed it as being a good opportunity for them to bond with their men. In reality, Sandorn knew it was more his brother¡¯s penchant for challenges and thrill than any machinations.


    Forgetting the risk it posed, should they lose then they had no chance of getting the Clans on board with their idea, Sandorn did not see it as being the most productive way of spending their time with so much going on around them.


    He ducked underneath yet another savage swing from the twin he¡¯d been paired against, Bedt. He was the older of the two in much the same way Sandorn was the oldest of him and Averan.


    Whipping around him Sandorn jabbed back hard, straight onto the mountain boy¡¯s nose. Again his opponent walked right through it, seemingly completely unfazed.


    The mountain people were notorious for their brute strength and nature. Preferring brawn over brain, life was not easy up on the hills. It did make them into formidable warriors, however. What skill they lacked they more than made up for in raw power. Sandorn wished he had his swords now, but Averan had insisted on beating the Mountain twins in the most entertaining way possible. Which also happened to be the most savage way.


    Rolling away from the increasingly irate Bedt Sandorn spied Averan busy contending with the other twin, known as Sedt. The two of them were locked in a clinch, seemingly taking turns pounding the other into the chest with knees and fist.


    Averan was smiling, the sight filled Sandorn with more annoyance. He¡¯s loving this. Sandorn however had had enough.


    The mountain in front of him was burly, freakishly so. Sandorn had blood of the Chimera running strong in his veins, he was stronger and faster than any normal man. And yet the man in front of him was still as aggressive and frustrating as he had been when they¡¯d begun fighting over 8 minutes ago. He¡¯d already landed a few glancing blows and Sandorn had no desire to feel a full one.


    It would need something special to halt him. Fortunately, he had it.


    He felt the Beast rising inside of him, Sandorn let it flow almost completely over him, then just as his body was going to give in he stopped and held it. It was a precarious balance. A skill that few mastered, even amongst Chimereans. Averan still struggled with it, usually pushing too far and taking on his full Chimera form.


    Sandorn however had control of his. The half form. He could control what and how much of the Beast came over him. He allowed it to seep into him now, just a fraction, just enough. Enough to flow from his core into his arm and down into his fist. The entire process took him only a matter of seconds. As Bedt came charging back at him yet again he brought his hand up in a vicious uppercut. The man mountain had brushed aside his earlier efforts. He did not brush aside this one. Those who were watching carefully might have seen Sandorn¡¯s fist curl into a paw before he struck. Fortunately, the men of the clans cared little for the small details. Only blood interested them.


    The uppercut sent Bedt flying. He fell hard crashing back against one of the cellar¡¯s many columns. The location for their meeting with the Clan Leaders was typical for the underground. A gambling den not far from the Manor they now called home. One of the former Amata¡¯s favorites.


    Turning Sandorn saw Averan and the other Mountain twin still battling, Averan had worked his way onto the man¡¯s back but was struggling to keep him down.


    He had almost gotten back to his feet when Sandorn came in and fly-kicked him across the face. Sedt fell limplessly off to the side.


    Averan groaned between heavy breaths.


    ¡°You cheated?¡± he whispered, ¡°That¡¯s bollocks and you know it.¡± Averan shook his head, ¡°We could have taken them. I was about to pin mine.¡±


    Sandorn rolled Sedt over onto his side to make sure he still breathed. Whatever had brought the two mountain men into the services of Clan Urda he didn¡¯t know but he was willing to double or triple the price to get them into his own. Unskilled or not men like them were valuable to have around.


    ¡°You were about to get thrown off. We would have been all night fighting with those two. I had to do something. We don¡¯t have time for games Brother. Come on, help your man up.¡±


    Sandorn went over to where Bedt still lay. Shaking him awake he hauled him onto his feet. Together they dragged the twins into the center.


    Clan Urda¡¯s leader Urron had already gotten up to congratulate them.


    ¡°A fine win for the twins.¡± He laughed hard at his rhyming, ¡°A fine win indeed. What do you say, shall we have a few more fights before business?¡±


    ¡°Well that depends on what kind of fights are you propo-¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Sandorn interjected, ¡°though your offer is appreciated I am afraid we have other matters to attend to. Let us and the other Clan Leaders head to the back.¡±


    Averan called for a round of drinks as he joined Sandorn putting back on his armor.


    ¡°Your being a bit hasty aren¡¯t you? We have time for a few drinks.¡±


    Sandorn sighed, ¡°We will have time, after we are made the true rulers of Gorias once more. Until then, no we don¡¯t have time for a few drinks. And actually what do you even mean Averan? You¡¯ve already had a few drinks today.¡±


    Averan shrugged, ¡°Alright then a few more I mean.¡±


    ¡°Later brother. Later. We will enjoy things together. Soon.¡±


    The back of the den was dark, the only source of light coming from three candles hanging up over the room. Sandorn waited until all five of the Clan leaders were in before motioning for Fenadorn to close the door.


    Clan Daroch, led by their new leader Rundel, a nephew of old Ru. Sorden, the leader of Clan Seetha. Lyonad of Clan Lyson and Prahn of Clan Pryn. And of course their host, Urron.


    Sandorn saw no point in wasting any more time.


    ¡°We are going to kidnap Commander Grevus.¡±


    ¡°Grevus?¡± Lyonad asked, ¡°Is this a joke? You are asking us to kidnap the highest-ranked City Guard in Gorias?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s asking?¡± Averan replied. ¡°This is no request. This is an order.¡±


    ¡°An order?¡± Urron laughed, ¡°This ain¡¯t the citadel Twins, and we no soldiers. You can order as you please, we have our own minds.¡±


    ¡°Besides,¡± Sorden began, ¡°What reason is there for this madness? What good could kidnapping the Commander do for us?¡±


    Sandorn waited for the voices to die down, letting the focus drift back to him.


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    ¡°We are no ordinary Twins. Me and Averan are special-¡±


    Lyonad scoffed, ¡°Yes, yes we all know about you and the Beasts. It¡¯s hardly a secret amongst us. Whoever your Mother slept-¡±


    Averan took a step towards Lyonad. ¡°What was that?¡±


    ¡°Ahh, haha yes no I mean,¡± Lyonad glanced around at the worried expressions on the other clan leaders faces. They all knew about old Ru.


    ¡°I mean we all know that some blood of the Chimera flows in you. We both know, and more importantly respect those powers. Me, more than anyone, I have some blood of the Kings flowing in my family too. Actually, if you look at my eyes like this,¡± Lyonad tilted his head and began widening his eyes, ¡°You can almost see the tinge of gold in the blue.¡±


    ¡°Ah yes,¡± Sandorn smiled, ¡°You think us Bastards. I suppose that would be more fitting for the Leaders of the Underground. However, the rumors are mistaken. We have no trace of the Blood of Kings, we are the Blood of Kings. Sandorn and Averan of House Aureate.¡±


    Confusion spread around the room.


    ¡°So we¡¯re to believe you are the Twins? The famous last line of Aureate. Aren¡¯t you supposed to be dead for 10 years. We¡¯re to believe you are them appeared before us now are we? Based on what exactly? There are many up in the High city with similar powers, and a few down here besides. I hate to break it to you boys but I don¡¯t think you are all that special.¡±


    The other clan leaders mumbled agreement at Prahn¡¯s words. Now oldest after the death of Ru he had grown the wealthiest of the clans outside of the Twins and his sway was substantial amongst them.


    ¡°Look at us.¡± Averan said as he stood up before them. ¡°Look at the armor we wear, the weapons we carry. Look at Fenadorn our protector and the twenty which accompany him. These are things we have always had, even before we took over Clan Rardan. We are no Bastards, we are sons of Devran Aureate, son of Savar Aureate, younger brother to Avern Aureate the last King of Gorias.¡±


    Sandorn saw by their faces that none were moved.


    ¡°Very well then, it seems our word is not enough, nor our deeds. Perhaps then this will help you see.¡±


    Fenadorn waved Tharv forward and took the small chest from him. Though they tried to hide it Sandorn saw the interest, the slight shift in their seat, the raised eyes.


    Fenadorn played his role perfectly, every twist of the lock a dramatic movement, every sound a build-up. By the time he was ready to open it the room watched on with bated breath.


    The opening did not disappoint. The room, so dimly lit was immediately illuminated in a blaze of brilliant light as the crown of Kings was revealed to the room.


    Sandorn waited, ensuring every last drop of the crowns¡¯ glory etched itself in the minds of the clan leaders. Each one of them was wealthy, powerful in their own way. Their quarter their small kingdom, their clan their army. Small but significant.


    But none of them would have even seen such a sight. The crown was made complete with jewels from beyond the dividing Seas. An early creation from the first of the wealth brought to Gorias from the beyond.


    Averan moved slowly and gently picked up the crown. Sandorn bent his head as his brother placed the crown upon his head. It was the first time he had ever worn it. But he did not feel its weight. It felt good, natural. It was his ancestor''s birthright. It was his.


    The clan leaders could have argued, could have continued with their doubts. But the crown was more than a pretty trinket. It held power, it was more than a crown. It was a symbol.


    ¡°Kings,¡± Rundel whispered. ¡°Can it be?¡±


    ¡°It can,¡± Averan confirmed. ¡°And our plans do not end with being Lords of the Underground. We have grander ambitions. Which, should you aid us would render grand rewards.¡±


    ¡°What kind of rewards?¡± Lyonad asked.


    Sandorn hid his smile, whatever they might believe or not believe the promise of riches and power would go a great deal of the way to bring the Clans on their side.


    ¡°As my Brother said, we have big plans for Gorias. When we succeed¡­ and we will. We will no longer be able to continue as Lords of the Depths. New Lords will have to be chosen amongst you. Peacefully,¡± he added upon seeing some of their reactions.


    ¡°That also means that the three-quarters given to us will need to be divided. Equally shared between you five. That includes all dens, warehouses and everything else along with it. Overnight all of you will become a great deal richer. That and we¡¯ll need help regulating down here. Some of the old city guard will need replacing. We need commanders wise to the lower city and able to fight. Opportunities will arise. Many of them.¡±


    Sandorn stopped to let his words sink in. He could read a room. The men of the underground were ambitious, getting richer or obtaining a lofty influential position in the watch interested them. But becoming the new Lord of the Depths was to them what restoring House Aureate was to him and Averan. He doubted any changeover could be peaceful. But so long as they held together long enough to help him retake the throne he could deal with the issue of who leads until later.


    ¡°Very well, you made your points. Some good ones too,¡± Sorden began.


    ¡°Now then, you said something about the Commander. Grevus is no friend of ours, he pushes us more than most. I for one am happy to deal him harm. But why? And how are we to do this?¡±


    ¡°The Commander Grevus as you said, has always been an enemy to the underground. He evidently recognises that we are trying to grow in both power and status and seeks to destroy that. We¡¯ve learned that there is to be a raid and eliminate against all clans and quarters two days from now. We can¡¯t allow that to happen.¡±


    Averan spoke firmly, Sandorn was impressed with how convincing he was in the lie.


    The leaders of the clans shared looks, each trying to gauge the other. Sandorn decided to press ahead.


    ¡°We know where and how we can capture Grevus. Averan will lead a group there personally. Meanwhile, I will lead a separate assault on his family. Once we have both we¡¯ll need a safe place to lay low. A well-guarded place.¡±


    ¡°How many men are we going to need exactly? Grevus will not be easy to get to, even if you know where he¡¯ll be. As for the Family, I reckon they¡¯ll be an even harder prospect.¡±


    Sandorn nodded at Rundel¡¯s words.


    ¡°All true, which is why we need to work together. I¡¯ll need the 10 best men of each clan, the 50 of them plus 25 of our best will be enough. Once we have everyone together we¡¯ll decide who goes where. Our tasks are different, 5 with me, 20 with Averan and the other 50 to secure our holding spot.¡±


    ¡°Which is where exactly?¡± Sorden asked.


    Sandorn smiled, ¡°Which is somewhere secure, somewhere we have carefully chosen to carry out what needs to be carried out.¡±


    ¡°I see, have it your way then,¡± Prahn eyed Sandorn, you¡¯ll need these men by tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°We will.¡±


    ¡°I can manage it.¡± Prahn confirmed.


    ¡°I can manage it.¡± Rundel added.


    ¡°I can too.¡± Lyonad said.


    ¡°I can manage it also.¡± Urron stated.


    ¡°Same,¡± Sorden finished.


    ¡°Best not to meet at our manor, there are eyes watching us. Instead, each of you get your men down to the docks, we¡¯ll have people waiting there to guide them to where they need to be.¡±


    Sandorn waited to see if there were any objections to their meeting points. Thankfully none arrived.


    ¡°Very well then, best put that crown of yours away brother. Seems like we¡¯ve got a busy few days ahead of us. What say we have a few more fights just to see us off? Fenadorn, we any that good mead left?¡±


    ¡°A bit.¡±


    ¡°Good, right so,¡± Averan clapped his hands. ¡°Urron, you mentioned a few fights you had lined up.¡±


    Sandorn waved Averan out and he gladly led the way with the Clan leaders streaming out after him. They nodded at him one by one as they passed, the closest thing he would get to a bow from Clan Leaders.


    He didn¡¯t mind. All in all things had gone well. Though each clan would have about 50 men in their service, most of them were little more than thugs, unused to any real fighting or skill at arms. Sandorn wasn¡¯t worried, however. Every clan always left the brunt of its more specific work to a chosen few, they were bound to have at least 10 professionals.


    75 men, it was not a lot to accomplish what they needed to accomplish. But they would make it work, Lords of the Underground. Soon those above will see just what those beneath are capable of.


    Sandorn took off the crown reluctantly and passed it back to the waiting Fenadorn. He could not wear it openly. For now, it had to stay hidden. But the day was coming when he would hide no more. As Averan called out for him to join them Sandorn smiled, that day is coming.

 A Gamble

    Averan looked over the men once again. 10 of his best and 10 of the best the clans could muster. He was pleased with his lot. Sandorn had taken his time picking, asking questions, examining weapons and armor, selecting only those he had thoroughly questioned and studied. Averan hadn¡¯t bothered, relying instead on instinct. It¡¯s worked for me so far. Well, mostly it has.


    It was getting dark, I always do my best work at night. Funny that.


    Averan shook his head stifling a laugh, in every sense.


    ¡°You¡¯re laughing?¡± Fenadorn spoke silently beside him. ¡°Now?¡±


    Averan shrugged, ¡°Why not? Look around you Fenadorn, you are the one who looks out of place. Not me.¡±


    Fenadorn shook his head but said nothing, which acted as confirmation that he knew Averan was right. Sandorn had insisted Fenadorn go with him, claiming that Averan¡¯s group would have a trickier task and they''d need his experience. He was right, but having Fenadorn beside him always made Averan feel like he had a guardian watching over his every move. It was unsettling.


    Ignoring that he took a small sip of the wine in front of him, it was nice. He¡¯d of enjoyed a little more than what he had in front of him, but now was not the time. Commander Grevus had been upstairs for quite some time already, he would surely soon be out. And when he did then the time they¡¯d have to act would be precious little. They needed to ensure they took whatever they could get. The others would already be getting restless.


    Averan smiled but waved away a waitress. The establishment was classy, the bribe they¡¯d needed to get in enough to keep a family well-fed for a year. Commander Grevus had expensive taste. Outside of the Inner Ring Orlavia¡¯s was the classiest and most elegant Gambling House. They had a fine reputation for confidentiality but Grevus was taking no chances. Had Averan not spent a night down the lower town with a former lady of the place he¡¯d never have known. Fortunately, her confidentiality only went so far, setting up a gambling den of her own was not cheap. Grevus was right to be cautious, a man of his alleged demure taste would have been heavily criticised if his love of cards and chips were to be revealed. Enough to see him forced into resignation more than likely.


    Grevus always went in disguise, always accompanied by 3 Elites similarly disguised with long hair and cabaret masks. Such garb was expected in Orlavia¡¯s. Averan knew from his tailing of Grevus that 4 more Elites waited outside for their Commander.


    ¡°Ehh, here he is.¡±


    Fenadorn spoke out of the side of his mouth, seemingly not taking his eyes off one of the ladies passing through the tables.


    Averan gave a quick glance upwards, it was Grevus, that was clear. His build and gait were noticeable but it was the subtle reaction of those sitting at the tables around them that revealed him. One by one three tall, muscular fellows got up from their seats. One went out immediately, another headed for the staircase and another made his way towards the center of the room, keeping tabs on everyone seated. Averan made sure to avoid the eyes of all three of them.


    Grevus wasted no time making his exit, Averan watched the guard by the door leave almost at the same time as him. A minute then the man in the center strolled out, another minute and then the man by the stairs made his way outside too. Following their lead Averan waited a minute before he nodded at Fenadorn.


    They only managed a glimpse of Grevus¡¯s carriage before it sped off into the night. Averan spotted two riders to the front and back of the carriage. The other three were probably inside with the man himself.


    ¡°Right, let¡¯s move.¡±


    Averan moved as fast as he could without drawing too much suspicion. Right on time a carriage pulled up, barely stopping to let on Fenadorn and him on before it sped off again after Grevus¡¯s entourage. Fenadorn grumbled as he steadied himself on the seat but Averan was impressed. Clan Daroch¡¯s man had claimed to be the best driver in all of Gorias, he was already showing it. Averan didn¡¯t say a word as their driver veered off to the left when Grevus¡¯ headed right.


    They sped along the street. Sandorn had insisted they track Grevus¡¯s movements and together they had spent many a night tailing his as he sped off from Orlavia¡¯s. It had seemed a costly waste of time then but it had all proved invaluable. Because of those nights Averan knew that Grevus alternated between three different streets after leaving Orlavia¡¯s. However no matter which route he took they all led to the crossroads of the Fell. That was where the others lay in wait. That was where they would make their move.


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    Their driver had taken the quickest route, it was not long before they came out onto the crossroads plaza.


    As they came into the open space Averan saw men of his scuttling away on the roofs, they¡¯d placed men on each corner to watch for the Grevus¡¯ approach. He hoped they were ready.


    Immediately Averan noticed the lack of people, and more particularly the lack of guards, though now late there should have been some patrol stationed around the square. There was none in sight. Wendon had played his part.


    They were barely in view of Grevus¡¯s carriage when they saw the sudden burst of flames.


    Everything had been carefully laid out. Once Grevus¡¯ carriage had came into sight the men had set up the blockade on the route they knew he would take out. Two carriages dropped two carts full of heavy oak blocks. That would have been enough to stop the commander¡¯s carriage. However, not only that, each block had been doused in oil, so much so that when the flaming arrows came soaring down from the roofs, the explosion of flame surprised even Averan. For the guards horses, well trained as they were it sent them scattering in terror. As the Commander¡¯s driver and outriders struggled to get their steeds under control Averan¡¯s carriage along with two more came up to pin them in.


    Two of the elites had already fallen from arrows above by the time Averan leapt down from his own carriage.


    Eager to make his own mark he charged in, the elites were no ordinary soldiers. Each one handpicked from youth from amongst the city trainees. Averan had been careful to place the clan men on the roofs and guiding the carriages. He, Fenadorn, and his men would take care of the rest.


    Averan picked out one of the riders who had almost been thrown off his horse, by now he had gotten his mount under control and was getting ready to charge.


    Averan waited until the last moment before he brought his axe up. The man¡¯s strike was a savage one, but Arronian steel did not bend easily. Deflecting as he ducked down Averan came up hard in a circle, the man had still not built up enough speed to protect himself. As Fenadorn bared down on him he was momentarily distracted, giving Averan time enough to swing back around and slice his axe across the man¡¯s back. As he faltered Fenadorn pressed, leaping up with a quick parry before thrusting his own sword into the rider¡¯s stomach.


    The other rider, between the arrows and fire raging around him had been thrown from his horse. He bravely fought on as he was encircled but a spear took out his legs before the others came in to finish him off.


    Grevus¡¯ carriage was surrounded. By now he and his three remaining men were outside the carriage. Their rider had been the first to die and the carriage had been knocked onto its side in the confusion. Averan raised a hand to stop the archers above.


    ¡°You will be coming with us Commander Grevus. We have matters to discuss. As you can imagine time is currently something we do not have much of. So I will ask once. Will you come now and save your men? Or must they die? Choose.¡±


    Grevus had his sword drawn and his mask removed, a trickle of blood ran down his face. To his credit he did not hesitate. Instead, he charged, straight at Averan, his men following close behind.


    Fortunately, Averan had expected as much, Grevus was not commander for nothing. He stepped aside to allow Denathan behind a clear shot. Denathan was the best archer of their troop and had assured Averan and Sandorn of success. His arrow proved his boasts correct, taking Grevus just below his knee, enough to incapacitate without killing.


    Ignoring him Averan met the other three soldiers and soon battle fury overtook him. He had to bite down as the Chimera began to rise inside him, now was not the time.


    He placed all his focus on one of the men. He came at him with sword and shield, Averan had faced such a style more than most because of Fenadorn.


    Grevus¡¯ elite guard was fast. Averan smiled despite the situation as he smashed his axe onto the man¡¯s shield. Spinning around he had to react quickly to a downward slash only barely bringing his axe across in time. They both ignored the chaos around them as they circled, Averan pressing and the other defending but launching his own thrusts and strikes whenever he could. Averan knew time was short, and could not be wasted. He couldn¡¯t prolong the fight, he had to find a finish. The man was adept with his shield and Averan saw that it would be hard to get past such a stout defense with axe alone. Faking yet another heavy lunge he went low before shouldering into the man, shield and all.


    A surprising and untidy-looking move it had the desired effect, knocking the man off balance, as he righted himself Averan grabbed the shield on top and pulled the man into a trip. From Fenadorn Averan knew that a good soldier would never drop his shield, a fact that was exploited by such a move. As the man stumbled he tried to hold off any attack with his sword, Averan stepped back just far enough for the blade to pass him before whipping his axe around to smash into the guard¡¯s head.


    Turning Averan was just in time to see Grevus going down under a hail of kicks and punches. Fenadorn was already ordering the Commander to be picked up.


    Averan saw the two other elites on the ground around them, both lost under a host of arrows. It was a pity they had to be killed in such a way.  A pity, but necessary all the same. Averan waved up to those on the roofs and they immediately dispersed. Helping the others Averan shoved Grevus into one of the carriages and hopped up alongside him with Fenadorn. With that they were away, racing once more down the streets and away from the scene of fire and blood.


    Things had gone well for them, he hoped Sandorn had enjoyed similar success. Grevus, despite the beating he¡¯d suffered and injuries he¡¯d sustained still needed to be bound and gagged to stop his struggling.


    He would not break easily. But even he had weaknesses, it was now Sandorn¡¯s time to ensure they could exploit them.

 Sacrifice

    Sandorn ran his hand along the hilt of his sword. He hoped it would not be needed. Not in front of the children at least. He knew what such scenes could do to a child.


    Commander Grevus¡¯s family lived inside the most affluent district of Gorias outside of the High city. A well protected street of the city¡¯s judges, magistrates and most prosperous merchants it was also home to Grevus¡¯s wife and three kids. The entire district was neatly enclosed by a wall of steel railings.


    Wisely Grevus lived separate from his family, or at least he did in theory. Officially his residence was in a neighboring estate. All of this Sandorn had gleamed from Wendon. Whatever complaints he might have had about the city Captain he had more than proved his loyalty and worthiness to the twins cause of late. Though he hadn¡¯t mentioned it Sandorn knew that Wendon¡¯s own rivalry with Grevus had been a major contributing factor in him aiding them. From some of the other city guards friendly to them Sandorn had heard all about the infamous brawl between the pair on the night of their graduation from Military Academy. Wendon the figure for those of the old guard, the old tradition, and Grevus the paradigm for the new, more modern City guard.  Sandorn wondered if Wendon would have been so accommodating if he knew they were going after the wife and kids.


    Perhaps he would understand. Even if he would not approve.


    Forgetting any doubts Sandorn refocused himself, the others chosen looked just as uncomfortable as he felt in the outfits of the city guard. Another gift organised by Wendon.


    He exhaled deeply, he knew that so long as they marched the correct street and followed the right circuit they would not come upon another patrol, but still he was on edge.


    Their target was coming into view. The guard accompanying them didn¡¯t miss a step, continuing on with his march as Sandorn and the four he¡¯d chosen, Lear, Tharv, Grend and Sarvth veered off to the right and up to the gates leading to the Commander¡¯s house.


    As instructed his men kept their eyes straight ahead, no one stepped out of place, no one spoke. This was a formality, a standard check-in by the good men of the city guard.


    Sandorn came up and knocked hard on the gates, three times.


    The eyehole snapped open and an inquisitive eye glared out.


    ¡°State your name, rank and purpose.¡±


    Sandorn stood to attention.


    ¡°Captain Eindor Horne of the Eastern Watchtower, I am here to deliver a message directly to the Commander from Lieutenant Darrn. He stressed urgency in the matter.¡±


    ¡°Did he now?¡± The voice called out, an old voice, cautious.


    ¡°You new? I have never seen you before.¡±


    ¡°A fresh transfer sir, I arrived back from the Outer lands last moon, I served in the Border city of Alapaine under Commander Redane since graduation from Academy four years prior.¡±


    ¡°Bit young for Captain aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I took part in the skirmishes, I¡¯ve seen combat with half-bloods sir.¡±


    ¡°Half-bloods eh? Very well. Tell me, Commander Redane, he still got that twitch in his left eye? I used serve with him myself back in his time in the city.¡±


    ¡°It is his right eye sir. And it is not so pronounced as it was.¡±


    Sandorn appreciated the man¡¯s test but he hoped the barrage of name-dropping would be enough.


    The eye disappeared from the eye hole. Sandorn could make out faint whisperings incomprehensible behind the gate.


    ¡°Tell those men behind to stand back, well back. And you keep your hands by your side until I have had my look. Any funny business and I¡¯ve four crossbowmen here who¡¯ll have you pierced up before you can utter a word in protest. Am I clear, Captain?¡±


    ¡°Clear sir.¡±


    Sandorn turned and nodded for the others to take a step back.


    ¡°Further,¡±


    Sandorn gave a short bow and motioned for his men to take another step back.


    Slowly the Gate was unlocked, Sandorn counted one, two, three locks before the gate finally swung open.


    He kept his face motionless in front of the crossbowmen and their Captain. Four bolts, Sandorn had never missed his Arronian armor so much as he did now.


    ¡°The message?¡± The Captain said.


    Sandorn brought out his hand slowly, holding the document in front of him.


    The Gate captain never took his eyes off Sandorn as he came forward to snatch the paper from him. Sandorn didn¡¯t react, didn¡¯t move.


    Clutching the document to his chest the Captain took a measured step backwards. By the time he was in front of his men again, Sandorn felt the tensions in the air wane ever so slightly.


    ¡°Anything else Captain Horne?¡±


    ¡°No sir.¡±


    ¡°Very well then, you may tell Lieutenant Darrn that the Commander has received his message and will respond in due course.¡±


    Sandorn gave the city guard salute, beating his fist twice off his chest, before turning sharply away.


    He raised his brows at Tharv just as he started to turn the men. Tharv had one eye on Sandorn and one on the gate guards. He only took half a step before swivelling back hard.


    The moment he seen Tharv¡¯s expression change Sandorn ducked. Tharv was frighteningly fast when it came to throwing knives. Sandorn felt the blade as it whistled just above him before rocketing back at the gate guards. He didn¡¯t stop to see it¡¯s final destination, whipping out his own knife and releasing the blade as he came up. Not stopping he joined Tharv, who had already drawn his sword and charged at the still-open gate.The aim of the four had been true however, Sandorn¡¯s careful selection justified. He and Tharv did have to finish off two of the gate guards, one who had a knife embedded in his right shoulder, the other, the gate Captain, who had it in his stomach. It was a credit to the old man that he still stood, Sandorn almost felt bad taking his head from his body. Almost.


    The other three were dead already, or near enough to make no matter. One was beginning to cry out but Grend plunging his sword down into the man fixed that.


    Without hesitating they began dragging the bodies back inside the gate. As Sandorn and Savrth hauled in the last two they spotted the city guard who had led them down the street rushing back towards them.


    A group of three well-dressed merchants were coming down the opposite side. A few more steps and they would be in sight of the killing scene. Fortunately, their city guard was alert, Sandorn heard his call hailing the men loud and clear, enough to halt them in their tracks. As he started into idle conversation they quickly finished up and carefully closed in the door behind them.


    ¡°Tidy little place isn¡¯t it.¡± Lear whispered as they looked around the manor¡¯s inside.


    ¡°It is, tidy but unassuming, good place to keep a family.¡± Sandorn responded.


    It was hot outside and the day lazy. Cries of children at play were the only sounds willing to disturb the pleasant sunshine bliss.


    Sandorn straightened himself and brushed away some specks of blood from his cloak. He gave a quick look over the others as they did the same. They were clean, mostly.


    ¡°Right then,¡± he began, ¡°time to get us a family.¡±


    Sandorn led the way once more, wiping the growing beads of sweat off his face as they entered into the gardens.


    Thankfully, it was empty. Taking a deep breath Sandorn strode up the path towards the steps leading to the door. Before he could get close to it however the door was opened before him.


    ¡°Uh hello,¡± Sandorn mumbled as he was faced with a young boy, perhaps seven years of age.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± The boy asked.


    ¡°I..I am a Captain of the City Guard. I am a friend of your father.¡±


    ¡°A captain?¡± The boy squinted up at him. ¡°Like old Fredda.¡±


    ¡°Ah yes, exactly like old Captain Fredda.¡±


    Sandorn would have preferred not to know the old man¡¯s name.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get Mom and you-¡±


    ¡°Shhh,¡± Sandorn brought his fingers to his lips, ¡°No Mom, I¡¯m here to see you. What is your name?¡±


    The boy raised a brow but was instantly intrigued, ¡°Garin.¡±


    Sandorn clicked his fingers as he slowly inched forward up the steps, ¡°Garin yes that is who we came for. You want to be a warrior yes? Like Father?¡±


    The boy¡¯s eyes lit up, ¡°Yes, I-¡±


    ¡°Shhhh,¡± Sandorn whispered as he heard noises coming from the back.


    ¡°You want to be trained right? To be an Elite?¡±


    Sandorn looked around and brought his voice lower, ¡°Then listen to me Garin.¡±


    Sandorn leapt up the final two steps to grab the boy, immediately covering Darin¡¯s mouth before he could scream out.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    He handed the boy back to Grend, Garin still struggled as he handed him over.


    ¡°Stay here and keep watch, and make sure to keep him quiet.¡±


    The walls around the home were at least 9 feet tall so there was little chance of any nosy neighbor spotting them. That is unless they heard something that might make them curious. Wendon had warned Sandorn that should an alarm sound then guards from all the street houses would descend on them. Though the other families had only one guard at their gates should they all come running it would add up to at least twenty men. Grevus did not take his family security lightly.


    Sandorn pointed for Lear, Tharv and Sarvth to follow him.


    It was cooler inside, the hallway was dark, well shaded from the outside heat.


    Sandorn stopped to listen intently. He heard the sounds of splashing coming from the back of the house.


    ¡°Garinnn.¡±


    The sound of a woman¡¯s voice carried, coming from the room up and to the right of him.


    ¡°Where is he now,¡± she spoke quieter this time, to herself.


    Sandorn stopped as he heard footsteps, the woman turned the corner muttering to herself, she had a teacloth in her hands and was drying off fruit in its folds.


    She was quite clearly stunned to see three armed city guards bearing down on her. In her astonishment she stopped up, the fruit fell to the floor and her mouth opened in horror. Before she could properly scream Sandorn was on her with Lear not a second behind. Together they held her down. Sandorn had reached instinctively to clasp her mouth, Lear had grabbed her by the legs.


    Though she hadn¡¯t screamed in full she had let out a brief screech, Sandorn noticed the splashing stop before a young girl¡¯s voice broke the silence.


    ¡°Mom? Mom?¡±


    Sandorn used his free hand to gesture Tharv and Sarvth to follow the source of the voice. He stopped and had to bite down on his own tongue as the woman in his grip lashed out and raked nails across his neck. Sandorn felt blood trickle down, intertwining with the sweat.


    The woman managed to get one leg free and used it to smash a foot into Lear¡¯s face. He grunted out in pain and surprise and before Sandorn could say anything he too lashed out, viciously planting a fist into the woman¡¯s stomach. Sandorn felt the wind rush out of her, out past his fingers covering her mouth. She visibly deflated, Lear was a big man, pushed to anger his punch was brutal, Sandorn¡¯s own insides turned at the sight of her.


    Is this the work of Kings?


    Behind him he heard the muffled sounds of a brief struggle before Sarvth came around with the young girl in his arms, she looked even younger than her brother, five perhaps. She didn¡¯t struggle but just looked on helplessly, crying. Tharv followed.


    ¡°The house is clear, there was a maid with the girl but I shut her up.¡±


    Sandorn nodded, preferring not to ask exactly what Tharv meant by shut her up.


    With that, they headed back out. Tharv led the way followed by Grend with the boy, then Sandorn and Lear with the mother, and finally Sarvth with the young girl.


    Tharv ran up quickly to peer out over the gate onto the street beyond. He waved the others down behind him.


    The carriage was supposed to come and meet them once the city guard who¡¯d led them as they marched around had returned to the beginning of his circuit. However, as he¡¯d had to distract the merchants who¡¯d almost came upon them Sandorn guessed he would be at least a little delayed.


    He breathed deeply but had to cut his breath short as the Mother began to renew her struggling.


    ¡°Keep that up,¡± Sandorn whispered and it won¡¯t be you getting punched in the stomach. Turning her face around Sandorn pointed back to her kids.


    That stopped her almost immediately. Both children were crying now. Sandorn tried to ignore the uneasy, anxious air around his men. They had carried out many illegal and unjust activities in their years together but this was a new experience for them and him. This felt different, it felt wrong. He felt their discomfort just as they imagined they felt his. Lear alone seemed unchanged, the same as he was during any job. Angry and wanting it to be over.


    ¡°Shit.¡± Tharv ducked back down sharply behind the gate.


    ¡°Bloody neighbor is snooping.¡± He hissed.


    Sandorn grit his teeth, ¡°Not a word.¡±


    He stared down into the woman¡¯s eyes, ¡°NOT A WORD,¡± he motioned over towards the children so she knew exactly what he meant.


    Several soft knocks rang out on the door.


    ¡°Hello Captain Fredda? Is someone there? Captain Fredda.¡± A woman¡¯s voice rang out clearly.


    Sandorn listened closely to the sound of footsteps shuffling around outside the gate.


    ¡°Oh for heavens sake. CAPTAIN FREDDA?¡±


    Nosy bitch.


    Straining his ears Sandorn heard the sound of a carriage approaching, at this time of day the streets around Grevus¡¯ home were quiet. It could only be their carriage.


    They had to hurry, a clan man of Urron¡¯s would be waiting for them but he wouldn¡¯t wait long. Besides a strange carriage pulling up would draw too much attention. They needed to move fast.


    The woman was continuing to bang on the door.


    ¡°FREDDA? ELISTH?¡±


    Sandorn shook his head, they had no time. He gestured madly for Tharv to come and take his place. Grend saw instantly his intention to move and brought the boy around to within arms reach of the woman. Drawing a knife he held it close to the boy''s neck. Whatever thought Elisth had to try something when Sandorn swapped his position with Tharv¡¯s was quickly removed.


    Clambering up above the gate Sandorn picked up a small stone from the path as he drew his sword. He stopped a moment to listen and get the woman¡¯s position before he flung the stone out behind her. It had the desired effect.


    ¡°What is that, who-¡±


    Sandorn reached up over the gate and with the hilt of his sword came down to slam the woman on the top of her head as she was turned to look back at the fallen stone. It was enough to daze, but not enough to kill. He was sure of it.


    From atop the gate, Sandorn spied the carriage, slowed but with an anxious-looking driver tightly gripping the reins.


    ¡°Quickly, move, to the carriage. To the carriage.¡± Sandorn¡¯s whisper rose to a small shout.


    Ignoring any doubt he pushed open the gate and strode out purposeful onto the street as if to halt the carriage for inspection. With careful and measured movements he began to signal the others to follow.


    Grend had already clambered into the carriage with the boy and Savarth with the girl when Sandorn spotted them. Two men on horseback trotting up the road. They had likely seen the carriage and thought to tail it but thankfully did not seem to be in any alarm or rush.


    With all the decorum he could manage Sandorn helped Lear getting the Mother into the carriage. Trying to appear as if he was helping them up.


    The two horsemen were getting closer now, as Sandorn waved on the carriage he was dismayed to see them break into a gallop. The original plan was for the boy, girl, and Mother to have a guardian each inside the carriage and Sandorn, one other, and the driver outside to make their way back to the street of the Underground.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Sandorn muttered. ¡°Tharv with me.¡±


    Hopping down Sandorn put himself and Tharv in front of the two horsemen blocking their path.


    ¡°Is there a problem sirs? I didn¡¯t know there was a mounted patrol due?¡±


    Sandorn kept walking steadily forward.


    One of the horsemen peered down at him, judging by his and his horse¡¯s finery he was one of the high officers based around the wealthier districts.


    ¡°There isn¡¯t. We were informed by a resident of a carriage passing through. They did not recognise its driver nor design. We wish to check its legitimacy.¡± The guard drew his sword, ¡°Lift up your helm sir, for I do not know that voice.¡±


    ¡°As you wish.¡± Sandorn put a hand to his helm but suddenly grabbed it from his head and flung it hard at the rider. It bounced harmlessly off the man¡¯s chest plate but gave him enough time to draw his own sword.


    Sandorn tried to stab him but before he could the guard had pulled his horse away whilst deflecting the blow. Beside him Tharv had fared similarly poorly, his opponent¡¯s horse had kicked out, catching him somewhere on the arm. Fortunately, he rolled out of the way before he received further damage.


    Seeing the carnage behind them the carriage had taken off just as instructed. That was something at least.


    For a moment Sandorn thought the two riders would chase off after them but they instead wheeled around to face them, they could not in the confusion know just who exactly it was inside the carriage. If they had they would not have wasted time on dealing with them.


    Steadying himself Sandorn took up position beside Tharv.


    ¡°ALARM. SOUND THE ALARM. READY THE GUARD.¡±


    The voice of the guard who had confronted Sandorn boomed out loud and clear. Sandorn heard the cries and shouts around him as neighbors stirred from their homes and guards came running to the gates. Soon they would be surrounded and killed. They had to do something. Sandorn charged, aiming for the horseman still shouting out for the alarm. Tharv kept pace beside him for the other.


    Sandorn only held one sword in each hand, he feinted high with his right as he ducked underneath the rider¡¯s sword. With the left, he lashed it around aiming for the saddle. It was a clumsy strike, he grated his teeth as his blade dug into boot, stirrup, saddle and all. But tt was enough. The saddle twisted unseating the rider and sending him flying into the dust.


    Sandorn ignored the fallen man and instead headed straight for the horse, he launched himself, desperately clutching at whatever of the mane he could grab and heaved himself up. He and Averan had been talented street racers in their youth, regulars in the illicit racing of the underground streets. They¡¯d grown too big to be any good long ago but Sandorn still retained the basics of controlling and steadying a nervous mount. Eventually, he managed to keep the horse under some semblance of control. Wheeling it around the guard he¡¯d left scrambling in the dirt he cut down an unfortunate gate guard who had come barreling out onto the street without looking to see what danger awaited him. More however were coming into view.


    They needed to leave. Now.


    Sandorn turned searching frantically for Tharv and found him. His friend of 10 years was hurt and hurt bad.


    He had lost his weapon and was crouched down under his shield, the rider circling above him. Tharv¡¯s sword hand was bent back at an awkward angle. Sandorn realised now the extent of the damage that first kick of the horse had truly done Tharv. He was doomed from the onset.


    He watched on in horror as Tharv¡¯s defence finally broke and the long sword of the horseman rushed down to bury itself in his neck. Even as he charged over Sandorn knew he was too late.


    The rider turned to meet him and he and Sandorn traded blows before racing off in other directions. Sandorn was faced with two more guards as he went past, one he kicked hard in the face, the other he managed to slice across the neck.


    Turning once more he saw at least 10 men coming racing towards him, the rider now also turned was leading them on.


    Sandorn knew he couldn¡¯t run. He had to help Tharv, no matter what he had to. But his friend did not even give him the option.


    They only shared a brief look. Sandorn¡¯s face tightened as he saw the smile on Tharv¡¯s. He shook his head but it only made him smile more. As the other horseman came, Tharv blood-soaked and weary-eyed found the last dredges of his fast-failing health and swung his body into the horse¡¯s path. With sword awkwardly raised at an angle he met the charge almost head-on. The horse trampled over him crushing body and bone. But his final act was a worthy one. The horse, unnerved and shaken, stumbled and fell toppling it and its rider. The charge momentarily broken, the other guards paused unsure whether to help their officer or continue their attack. A part of Sandorn knew he should go back regardless of what awaited him. Tharv had died for him, for him and his plan. Why should he survive where he fell? But he couldn¡¯t. Pragmatism overruled the sentiment, his friend¡¯s death had to mean something. Had to be for something.


    He whirled his horse around and spurred him into a gallop, away from the soldiers. Away from danger. Away from Tharv. He didn¡¯t try and catch another look at his friend, he didn¡¯t want to know what he would see. He wanted to remember the smile. Only the smile.

 Necessary

    Averan was pleased to see everything in order for them as they came down the wharf¡¯s cobbled street. They had acquired five warehouses from the Amata, the one they headed to now was the smallest. It was used only as a ship repairs Hall to outside eyes. In actuality, it contained an underground bunker used by the Old Amata to hold any prisoners of value or stolen goods which had taken on too much heat. As they pulled up to its entrance Averan was glad to see groups of men chosen amongst the Clans disguised as groups of idle drinkers and smokers. Inside he knew was only their own men, some things did not need sharing.


    The carriage only stopped long enough for them to dismount and pull the Commander out with them before it headed off again. Averan had left its burning up to the driver, he had shown his capability, and Averan trusted him to finish the job.


    Walking in Averan was holding Grevus on one side and Fenadorn the other. The commander was bound and had a bag covering his head so there was little chance of him trying to escape now. But Averan wanted to make sure that what little chance there was he kept control over.


    He was glad to see Lear already inside the warehouse waiting for them. He smiled at Averan but it was not a triumphant one.  He didn¡¯t stop or make any effort to come over to him but merely nodded toward the back of the room. Confused Averan raised a brow but said nothing. Sandorn must already be below, which must mean he had been successful. Why then the sadness?


    The trapdoor leading down to the lower levels was neatly hidden within the hull of an old schooner.


    It was dark down below but someone had already been down before them. Torches vaguely lit the underground tunnel as it led them down to the lower hall and holding areas.


    It was slow going trying to manoeuvre Grevus down the steps and in the low light but finally, they emerged into the much brighter meeting chamber.


    There Sandorn, Sarvth, and Grend were waiting. Averan¡¯s face dropped as he saw the faces looking at him. They all wore the same sad smile as Lear.


    Sandorn gestured towards Grevus and down the hall to the holding cells to the left. Understanding his meaning Averan headed away, eager to leave Grevus off so he could get his answers. He glanced at Fenadorn but he only looked straight ahead, focused only on getting the Commander inside. Once they were inside the cell Averan took the bag off Grevus¡¯s head and removed the cloth forced inside his mouth. The Commander took deep breaths in and gave a quick look about the room. Smiling he shook his head but said nothing. Averan left the bounds on arms and legs but loosened them enough to give him breathing space. There was little he could do from his position in any case.


    Letting Fenadorn finish locking up Averan hurried back up to the others.


    ¡°Well, then what is it? Hmm? And where¡¯s Tharv?¡±


    Averan had realised his friend''s absence either from above or below as they¡¯d put Grevus inside. Part of him already knew the reason for the sad smiles. Still he asked.


    ¡°What?¡± He sighed, ¡°Just tell me Sandorn. Just tell me.¡±


    ¡°Tharv is dead Brother. Killed as we fled. I would not be here if not for him, he gave me the time to make good my escape. He gave himself for me, and for our cause.¡±


    ¡°Where is he?¡±


    Sandorn looked away from him, ¡°I had to leave his body there Brother. I was surrounded, I would not be here if I had stayed with him. I did not want his loss to be in vain.¡±


    ¡°He died alone then, surrounded by the men who killed him?¡±


    Sandorn refocused his gaze back on him.


    ¡°He did. I wish it were not true but it is.¡±


    Averan stared hard at his brother. ¡°Your plan was a risky one. Did you get the others then?¡±


    ¡°We did, they are being kept in the guest chambers, they are comfortable and well looked after.¡±


    ¡°The whole city will be out for us now. They¡¯ll not be longing deciding that we are the likely perpetrators. We don¡¯t have much time.¡±


    ¡°No, we do not. Which is why we must question the Commander as soon as we can.¡±


    ¡°What about Tharv?¡±


    ¡°Tharv died a hero, and deserves a hero¡¯s farewell.¡± Sandorn hung his head, ¡°Body or not. We will honor him properly, not now in a rush. But as befits a man as worthy as him.¡±


    Averan nodded smiling, ¡°He would complain otherwise if we didn¡¯t. Tharv was always first to volunteer. We must ensure his death is not for nothing.¡±


    ¡°We will ensure it,¡± Sandorn agreed, ¡°All of us, together.¡±


    A silence fell over them then, a natural silence. Averan thought back on Tharv and the many nights they had spent drinking, fighting, gambling, womanising. Tharv had always been a little wilder than the others, always ready for an adventure. Always ready to aid or suggest fun for them. Now he was gone and Averan felt it. So far they¡¯d experienced joy and pain, but any pain had been tempered with the fact they¡¯d lost few men. Tharv however had been part of the first four men Fenadorn had chosen from amongst old loyalist Families on the run to serve as protectors to the line of Kings. For the first time since the death of his Mother Averan felt the pain of loss acutely. He did not want to feel it again.


    ¡°We have the Commander,¡± Averan made sure his voice was firm, strong. ¡°and the tools with which to break him. We need answers and we need them tonight. Come Brother, let us get to work.¡±


    Sandorn nodded and turned back to Fenadorn.


    ¡°Have the others ready. Come on our signal.¡±


    With that Averan joined Sandorn and together they headed off to Grevus¡¯s cell. It felt like lately the two of them had more and more to talk about but less and less time to talk about it. The thought worried him.


    Sandorn was first in the cell door. When Averan followed behind he could see by the look on the Commander¡¯s face he was surprised to have visitors so soon. Still, he recovered quickly and almost casually stepped back before sitting himself down on the cell¡¯s stone bed.


    ¡°So soon?¡± He asked. ¡°All of Gorias will no doubt be searching high and low for me so I can understand the need for haste. Still, you should have waited longer, to give the illusion of control at least.¡±


    ¡°You think we are not in control? Who then is? You?¡± Sandorn wiped his nose, the movement caught Averan¡¯s eye.


    Nooo, Sandorn never touches the stuff, no, it won¡¯t be that.


    ¡°You know who we are?¡± Sandorn continued. ¡°What we represent?¡±


    Grevus snorted, ¡°I know more about you than you do yourselves. I know all about your rise in the underground. Your history. Your bloodline. I know it all.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Averan announced, ¡°That will make things easier. It seems you know a great deal. We would be forever indebted to you Commander if you would share such information with us.¡±


    Grevus rolled his eyes, ¡°I have been a city guard for almost 20 years boy. You think you are the first to threaten me? I¡¯ll not be scared by anything you can do to me. My conscience is clear, as is my refusal to give you any kind of information which would lead Gorias into ruin.¡±


    ¡°Into ruin?¡± Sandorn rolled his eyes just as Grevus had, ¡°Gorias is in decline, already the borders grow weak. My family at its height pushed our territories ever further. Now we can barely hold on to what we have. The Vampiri probe deeper into our affairs and the men from beyond the sea ignore our calls. Into ruin? No, we wish to bring it back to glory.¡±


    Grievous tilted his head, ¡°You believe that don¡¯t you.¡± He turned and looked at Averan, ¡°Both of you do. I admire such conviction. You are right about what you said. House Aureate led Gorias well for many years, without your Family it would not be half so great or powerful as it is now. But you said it yourself. Your family at its height did all those worthy things you mentioned. What about when it wasn¡¯t at its height? What about the killings of Pentea? The destruction of Geraden city. The betrayal of the Human Accord. Who bears responsibilities for those? Your success, your failures. I understand that you might not have been taught so much about those matters. But your Family was removed not without cause, not without reason, the very Houses which you spawned rose to oust you. Now you think you can simply waltz back in? No. I tell you now. No. Fools are many, even amongst the city Guard. They look back fondly, why? Because people always do look back fondly. If they didn''t then how could they complain about the present? Who could they blame for their own faults? Own mistakes? Oh yes, the past was always better, if only things stayed the same then they would have achieved their goals, ambitions. Whatever you might think, your House¡¯s time as Gorias¡¯ rulers is through.¡±


    ¡°See, I told you there was no point even asking.¡± Averan sighed, ¡°Now look, he¡¯s gone all philosophical on us. Should have just came right out with it.¡±


    Sandorn puffed out his cheeks and shrugged, ¡°Yeah but we had to ask, just in case. You know we did. Anyways might make the rest go easier now, more of a surprise I mean.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Averan said. ¡°You won¡¯t give in to torture is that right Grevus? Tear off your nails, peel off your skin. Cut off your balls. None of those would do anything no? I¡¯ll admit a part of me is curious to find out.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t say a word.¡±


    ¡°The boys down the barracks were right about you,¡± Sandorn wagged a finger at the Commander. A tough nut they said. Rumor was you had been quite sorely tested by the Vampiri one time but didn¡¯t crack. If they couldn¡¯t get you then what hope had we. Which is why we opted for a different tact.¡±


    ¡°Tell me Grevus, what do you value most in this world?¡± Averan tapped himself on the head, ¡°No, no, no, wait let me rephrase that. What three things do you value most in this world?¡±


    Grevus stared at them stoney-eyed.


    ¡°Commander?¡± Sandorn got down low on his knees. ¡°My Brother asked you a question? Now either you didn¡¯t understand him. Or, you know exactly what he means. Which is it.¡±


    ¡°Impossible.¡± Grevus mumbled.


    Sandorn shook his head, ¡°Impossible no. Difficult yes.¡±


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    Sandorn stopped smiling a moment and Averan knew what he was thinking.


    But he only hesitated a moment before the smile returned to his face.


    ¡°Fenadorn. Our guests.¡±


    The door opened almost immediately. Averan had a knife drawn and to the neck of Grevus before he had properly gotten to his feet. The action drew blood.


    ¡°Ah,¡± Averan motioned back to the bed, ¡°Sit down Grevus, remember whatever you do will be reflected back on them. SIT.¡±


    Sandorn gestured to the open door where the Commander¡¯s wife, son and daughter all stood huddled together bound at the waist by chains with their mouths gagged. Fenadorn stood in front of them and Lear and Sarvth either side. The daughter sobbed softly and Averan had to push the bile building up inside of him back down. This was poor work for the line of Kings. But he knew it was needed. It was needed.


    The son just stared at Sandorn, his eyes filled with hate and fury. Averan knew those eyes, his had been much the same when the men had come to try and take him, Sandorn, Catalina and their Mother. The similarity was eerie.


    The Mother held a hand on each of her children¡¯s shoulders. Offering whatever little comfort she could to them. She stood tall all the same. An elegant lady. There was no distress in the look she gave Grevus, only one of hope and vigor.


    ¡°You wanted proof,¡± Sandorn spoke quietly now. ¡°Well, here it is.¡± He waited a moment before he signalled for Fenadorn to take them away.


    Grevus waited until they had left before he sat back down on the bed.


    ¡°Cowards. You could have done what you wished to me. I would not have judged nor hated you for it. I understand the position I am in. What it entails. Truly I do.¡±


    He shook his head and stared at them with an intensity that Averan struggled to match.


    ¡°But my wife? My son? MY SIX-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER.¡±


    Grevus breathed heavily, ¡°This is actions from the lowest form of scum. If you think you will get any support from this then you do not comprehend what you¡¯ve done.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve done what is necessary,¡± Sandorn said. ¡°And that is all we¡¯ll do. We do not want to hurt your wife or kids. Or even you for that matter. You are the pawn, we want your Masters. Give us them and all will be well.¡±


    The commander only stared at first Sandorn and then Averan. Averan gave nothing away but for a moment he thought Grevus would refuse, putting his duty above all else. He wasn¡¯t sure he or Sandorn had it in them to actually hurt Grevus¡¯ family. Then again, they had come too far to let anything stand in their way now. No matter how ruthless or unsavory, if it had to be done. Then he would do it.


    Thankfully Grevus saw enough in them to heed the threat, as he slumped back Averan saw some of the fire leave his eyes.


    ¡°What do you want to know?¡±


    ¡°Before we begin,¡± Sandorn stated, ¡°Know that while we do not know everything. We know enough. Lie and it will not go well for you. Or them.¡±


    ¡°What, do you want to know?¡± Grevus repeated.


    Averan shared a look with Sandorn, time was short, their questions needed to be precise.


    ¡°You met with Lords of the Forty five days past. Who were they? And what did they order you to do?¡± Averan asked.


    ¡°They ordered me to kill and destroy the operations of the new Lords of the Underground. That is a Lord Sandorn and Averan Aureate.¡±


    ¡°They told you our names?¡± Averan was surprised.


    ¡°No, that part I gleamed myself, even a pawn has its moments.¡±


    ¡°Who are they?¡± Sandorn¡¯s turn to question.


    Grevus turned to glare at Sandorn.


    ¡°They who ended the line of Kings. The Forty.¡±


    ¡°Not all the Forty. Some.¡± Sandorn said.


    ¡°Enough.¡± Grevus replied.


    ¡°Who was it Commander? Names.¡±


    Grevus pulled on his beard and shook his head .


    ¡°Though this means my death. Lords Atlantian, Larren, Parandin and Honed. They are Gorias¡¯ new rulers in all but name. They call themselves the New Order. There are a host of Garnet and even some Wreaths which follow whatever they decide upon, more or less. At least enough for them to hold sway over all of Gorias'' affairs.¡±


    Averan nodded at the Commander¡¯s words.


    Sandorn had lectured him many times on the current political landscape. The Forty Houses had always been divided into levels, though it had only really become important in the latter years of his Family¡¯s rule and formally adopted into High society with the end of it.


    Of the Forty, 6 were considered amongst the most powerful. They were referred to as the Circlet Houses. Then came the Garnets, of which there were 12. And finally, the Wreaths, made up of the remaining 22 Houses. In theory, Houses could rise and fall, but such occurrences were so rare that it had been almost considered impossible by most.


    That is until their Family had fallen, then the power had shifted, and with it came the rise of many and the fall of more.


    ¡°That leaves Lords Fortan and Dunedain out of the Circlets. They were not present.¡± Sandorn scratched at his chin, ¡°Is that always the way?¡±


    Grevus shrugged, ¡°They were not present no. As to whether it is always that way I cannot say. All I can say is I met those four Lords. They gave me orders and I would have carried them out.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Averan examined the Commander, ¡°Why would you, the man who heads over all of Gorias soldiers listen to orders given by Lords of the Forty. Not from the Council of all Forty Houses but by secret order.¡±


    Grevus raised his brows at the question.


    ¡°Why? Because it is they who decide the Commander. I fail to do as instructed then I fail as a Commander. They keep the peace through me, I can temper them, make them see the reality of life outside the Inner Walls. They need me as I need them. Together we keep Gorias safe.¡±


    Sandorn laughed, ¡°Is that what they told you? I thought you a brighter man than that Commander Grevus. They use you, that is all. You are a tool.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we all,¡± He laughed,  ¡°Your men, do they not follow you blindly. Are they tools then too? For anything to get done orders need to be followed. That is the way of things.¡±


    ¡°It is. For now. Me and my Brother will change the way of things to something new. Gorias will rise under us. Under House Aureate.¡±


    ¡°If that is what you believe then so be it. But it is too late for all that I think. The Houses who disposed of you too strong, too powerful. Even those who might not have wished the Line of Kings to be destroyed are ill-suited to offer you help. History and prestige are not easily forgotten but they will fall. Sooner rather than later and Houses more willing to fall in will take their places at the top of the table.¡±


    ¡°They have plans for this?¡± Sandorn asked.


    ¡°Yes, though I am not part of them. It¡¯s happening slowly, but it is happening. Any of the old traditionalist Houses will be demoted if not destroyed.¡±


    Averan whistled, ¡°He speaks well, doesn¡¯t he? I can see why they made you a leader. Stout of character and a good orator. No wonder they put you there.¡±


    Sandorn continued to stare at Grevus. After a long while he nodded at Averan and they headed back out.


    ¡°Well?¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like lies. Seems like a man to put family above all else. Even his life. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s lying. Everything he said fits in with what we would have guessed.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Averan scratched the back of his head, ¡°So what now? We can¡¯t let him go. But we can¡¯t keep him down here either. Already there¡¯ll be search raids out and we¡¯ll be amongst the first suspected of this. Sure he¡¯s got enemies within the army but this is way beyond any of that. We only have one choice.¡±


    Sandorn frowned, ¡°Only one?¡±


    ¡°Yes only one, why are you looking at me like that? You know we can¡¯t let him go. The real question is what to do with the family.¡±


    Averan clicked his teeth, ¡°We could just kill the wife. Let the children go free. But then again even that¡¯s risky. What if the son grows up to be an assassin or something? Probably he needs to go too. The girl, well come on now we can¡¯t kill her. I say we let her off with a nice aunt or something and just check in to make sure she isn¡¯t training some crazy killing routine in the meantime.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Sandorn dragged Averan back from the main chamber where the others waited.


    ¡°Who said anything about killing the wife or kids? That was a last, last resort. Really last. It was more to show that we had the power and allies even amongst his own men to get to this Family than anything else. And we certainly don¡¯t have to kill them now. Not now we have the names of those key Figures and Houses which stand against us. We have got to get those not within the new order on our side and work from there. That¡¯s our path now.¡±


    Averan looked at his brother in confusion.


    ¡°So what you want to just let them go? I think if we murder their father, and also the fact that they¡¯ve seen our face might just be enough to warrant us killing them. Or am I going crazy?¡±


    Sandorn patted him on the shoulder excitedly, ¡°That¡¯s just it, we don¡¯t kill Grevus. We use him. We use him Averan.¡±


    More ideas.


    ¡°So you want to try and use the man who we just kidnapped, kidnapped while killing some of his best men in the process? And, not only that but then went and kidnapped his wife and two kids and threatened to kill them also. Sandorn, Brother I love you but this is way past crazy. You will get us all killed.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not saying that we release him without protecting ourselves. But you are right about what you said. Now we have no time to play things safe, now we have to make our moves and fast. Just as we did today. That starts with how we release Grevus.¡±


    ¡°Release him?¡± Averan asked in disbelief.


    Sandorn always had an idea no matter how absurd or crazy it might seem. But this went above them all.


    ¡°Grevus is worth more alive to us than dead. We are the good guys so long as he lives. Think about it. The Twins Aureate returned again, capture the Commander, the one who is currently fighting a popularity battle, use him to gather information, and then throw him back out. What does it say about a man who is supposed to protect the city but cannot protect himself or his wife and children.¡±


    Sandorn¡¯s eyes were wide. Averan frowned at him but didn¡¯t interrupt.


    ¡°We give him to those Captains and men of the City Guard who feel much as Wendon feels. A show of faith. Giving them the man who demoted them and sent them out on patrol duty. Let them do as they wish with the Commander, it will be out of our hands. A gift in name. But once they accept they are bound to us. As much Grevus¡¯ captors to the New Way as we are. When we give the order to seize the Towers and Barracks in the name of House Aureate and the Twins Sandorn and Averan they will be compelled to answer.¡±


    Averan shook his head and sighed. He looked at his brother in disbelief for a moment before breaking into a grin.


    ¡°The order to seize the Towers and Barracks? I think you have gone mad. But, mad or not you are my Twin, and I yours. So if that is your plan then it is mine. A fine one now I hear it, if a crazy one. Though often they are the ones I like best.¡±


    Sandorn smiled back at him and clapped him on the back before putting his arm around him as they headed back to the others once more.


    ¡°Come, we will need the others to hear what I¡¯ll say. It is finally time to be Kings Brother. Our reign starts now. The army will be our thrust. The beheading we shall decide on later.¡±


    Averan laughed, sharing in his Brother¡¯s excitement. The New Order had made their plans and failed. Now it was time for them to show their own plans. For Father, for Mom, for all their Family and its line. And for Tharv too, he believed in their ambitions, enough to give his life. Averan would make sure his sacrifice was not in vain. He would avenge him.

 It is time

    Sandorn tried not to show his frustration. The Captains were a rowdy lot. Some seemed to have more than a passing fondness for mead and wine. Every time a statement was made or a proposal given the Boat erupted in noise.


    That also served to annoy Sandorn. He did not mind being at sea, even if he did not enjoy it. But trying to hold a secret meeting on it was a different matter. Unfortunately, it had been the only option left open to them. It had already been 24 hours since the Commander had been captured. The city was being uprooted in search of him. Luckily the Commander¡¯s absence had been hidden from the public. As such any searches had to be done discreetly. Fenadorn had personally overseen the shutting down of all illicit activities in the warehouses and only a skeleton workforce remained to keep up the appearance of honest trading. Sandorn and Averan had not been out on the streets since. Already their Manor had been raided twice. But the Commander had more than one enemy, more than one potential perpetrator. He had enemies amongst the Houses of the Forty for his preference to those which aligned with the New Order. He had enemies within the city guard from those who felt aggrieved at what they saw as his betrayal of the Guard¡¯s traditions. Still, it was best for Sandorn and Averan not to be seen just yet. And certainly not with Captains and other lower officers of Gorias¡¯ military.


    Wendon came up to stand beside him, ¡°I think it¡¯s time to bring him out. That¡¯s the big reason most came here. They need to see him for themselves. To see the proof of your words.¡±


    ¡°Seeing him is not a problem. Him or his family. It''s the letting him speak I have a problem with. Is there really a need?¡±


    Wendon shrugged, ¡°They insist. It¡¯s the honorable thing to do. He is still a Commander after all. Most of these men here would gladly see him dead. But there are traditions to keep in mind.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± Sandorn gave the signal for the captives to be brought out. He left the son and daughter back in the cabin. It wasn¡¯t necessary to expose them to such a proceeding. Especially if things got messy.


    Averan had been adamant that he¡¯d watch over Grevus. He brought him forward now and led him to stand in front of the men before he removed the bag covering his head. To the right Fenadorn did likewise with the Commander¡¯s wife Elisth.


    A few surprised gasps met the reveal. Clearly, not all believed in them as they should.


    It only took a few seconds for the cries of outrage and jeering to begin. Grevus stood stoic through the abuse, he didn¡¯t seem surprised to see so many of his Captains present. Though the division within the city guard was hardly a secret.


    ¡°Gentlemen, Gentlemen please.¡± Sandorn raised his hand high.


    ¡°He may be a traitor and many other things besides but he is still our guest. And may I remind you that it was you that wished for him to speak. If that is still your wish then we must let him speak.¡±


    ¡°The King is right.¡±


    Wendon came up to put a hand on Sandorn¡¯s shoulder. Sandorn saw Averan rolling his eyes from the corner of his eye. Wendon had been easily persuaded into organising the meeting and rallying those who wished to see change. They said all the right things of course, loyalty to House Aureate, gravitas for the line of Kings, a desire to revenge the treacherous nature of the Houses who¡¯d destroyed Gorias¡¯s rightful rulers. In reality, for most, it was the promise of high-ranking positions within the city guard and a return to the old traditions where the City Guard and its Commander answered to no one but themselves. In theory at least. Sandorn had already decided that Fenadorn would be the new Commander. Wendon was too independent and unyielding if a Captain did not align exactly to his own beliefs he was unwilling to work with them. Fenadorn was practically an uncle to them in any case, so it really would be in keeping with the old Aureate custom.


    ¡°The Old Commander must be allowed to say his piece.¡± Wendon bowed to the platitude of agreements and eager response to his words.


    Averan shrugged but tore out the gag which restricted Grevus.


    ¡°Well, go on have your say then.¡± Averan urged.


    ¡°You are all traitors,¡± Grevus began loudly and without hesitation.


    Averan barely muffled a snigger and Sandorn had to hold back a smile at the faces of the Captains. Clearly, they had expected the Commander to be a broken man. He was anything but.


    ¡°You conspire with men who not only captured your Commander but also his family. Men of low morals and foolish ambitions. I know some of you do not care for me or my more modern proposals. Despite the fact I only wish to make our force more respectable to present-day norms. But this is not a matter of personalities clashing or differing opinions. This is a matter of duty and pride.¡±


    One of the older Captains known only as Cap, though Sandorn knew him as Trent, stood up. Seated to the front he commanded respect, with great deliberation he leaned over to one side to release a ball of spit.


    ¡°You talk about duty and pride Commander. What would you know if it? You let those Lords of the Forty decide who gets moved up and who gets moved down. A man cannot even be allowed a drink now without getting some penalty or other. Never mind the punishment for a simple trip to a brothel. All those respectable laws and regulations you and the High Lords keep pushing have no place in our city Guard. It is a disgrace that you allow the likes of them interfere in the running of our soldiers.¡±


    ¡°Is it any different to when the Kings Aureate interfered in the affairs of your esteemed Fathers and Grandfathers? I see no difference?¡±


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    ¡°They never interfered so far nor so often, they let us be. We were a truly independent force then. And besides, they were the ones who gave us Power. We owed them.¡±  Wendon stepped in to answer, the response seemed like one well-rehearsed. "They set up the City Guard let us not forget. They were the ones who established the standards which you have let slip. We are supposed to be the finest army of any human city, enough to rival Vampiri or Burned Men. But now we are barely allowed past the Upper Walls, the Forty have increased their Household Guards and continue to do so. Already there are over 2000 of them. They need to be reminded of our prowess.¡±


    Grevus scoffed, ¡°We have easily double that within the city, and in the outer Watchtowers another 2,000 men. And why do you wish to have more patrols within the High city hmm? Is there not a thriving underground right under our noses? Should we not dismantle such relics of the past before we think of anything else.¡±


    ¡°Bahhh,¡± another Captain stood up, ¡°The clans keep to themselves for the most part. And besides they¡¯ve all been here as long as the city itself. They are not the problem. Never have been. Throw us a fair bit of coin all things considered. What harm is a blind eye now and again? It¡¯s all trade.¡±


    ¡°You are no better than-¡±


    ¡°ENOUGH.¡± Sandorn interrupted.


    He was getting annoyed. This was turning into a petty squabble, the captains more keeen to get in parting remarks and insults than any interest in honor or hearing what Grevus said.


    ¡°We have little time for disputes and arguing. What do you propose we do with the Commander and his family? That is the question we need to answer now.¡±


    Animated whisperings went about the boat¡¯s deck. Averan pulled Sandorn to the side.


    ¡°Well, this is shit.¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± Sandorn agreed, ¡°But we can hardly do anything if we don¡¯t have the Captain on our side. We kind of need this. The Eastern Watchtower arrives to the city two days from now. We need to have everything in place for then.¡±


    ¡°Lords Aureate. We have our answer.¡± Wendon declared.


    ¡°Which is?¡± Averan asked.


    ¡°Commander Grevus has betrayed many of the core tenets of the city guard. However, we believe he was manipulated into doing so by the powers above him. As such they shoulder most of the blame. The Commander can hardly be blamed for his lack of understanding for intelligence is a natural gift given unto us by the Gods.¡±


    Averan moved quickly to silence Grevus before he could make a rebuke.


    ¡°Still,¡± Wendon ignored the interruption, ¡°he has done Gorias wrong and must pay in some manner for that. We sentence Grevus to exile. He and his family must leave Gorias and never return under pain of death. That is our verdict and our final decision on the matter.¡±


    Sandorn released a sigh of relief.


    ¡°For all the trouble he¡¯d caused them Grevus did not seem like a bad sort. And his family had already suffered enough. Exile to one of the Vassal cities was a considerably happier ending than the Commander could have ever hoped for.


    ¡°Send my Family, but I refuse to-¡±


    Averan jabbed Grevus hard in the stomach. Sandorn thought he saw the flash of a smile breaking out on Elisth¡¯s face behind him as Grevus¡¯s words were taken from him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t die like a bloody fool Grevus, whatever you could or have offered Gorias it has passed. Now go and make one of the Vassals a better place to live. They need men like you.¡±


    Finished, Averan shoved Grevus over to Lear and ordered Elisth to head off with him.


    Sandorn winked at Averan, happy at his brother¡¯s timely intervention.


    ¡°Now that the Commander is sorted we can move on to more pressing matters. We, you and us too have long discussed what to do about the tyranny of the Forty. They treat you men of good character like mindless minions, good for nothing except blindly carrying out orders and staying out of trouble. The City Guard was once the pride of the city, men bowed and women brightened to see them coming. No longer. Men like you are a dying breed in the eyes of the New Order. We are here to change that. Me, my Brother, and allies. But we cannot do it without your help.¡±


    ¡°We know the men of the city guard.¡± Wendon waved his hands around animatedly, ¡°Of the four city barracks we have two which will gladly open the gates to you, both the docks and lower city barracks house men eager for change. Men who wanted Grevus out.¡±


    Murmurs of agreement echoed around the deck. Wendon nodded before continuing.


    ¡°That leaves the New barracks and the Upper. Both house majorities which might not see favorably to any coup. We may have to use force on them.¡±


    ¡°Then use it we will,¡± Sandorn stated. ¡°All of you gathered here have sworn your allegiance and loyalty to House Aureate. And to us. When we win the Barracks the lower city will be completely in our hands. As for the Houses of the Forty, there are still some amongst them who remember the glory of Gorias and its Kings. This is our chance to show them the old ways are not dead yet. Once we do that victory is assured. And when it is,¡± Sandorn paused and looked out into the sea of Captains, he saw the fervor and belief in some, and the greed and ambition in others.


    ¡°Then all of you here will be given the high seats men of your prowess deserve.¡±


    A loud cheer went up at that. So loud that Sandorn was glad they had sailed almost out to sea before beginning their meeting. As the Captains toasted and began debating the defenses of the Barracks Sandorn called Wendon over.


    ¡°Make sure none go overboard tonight, be it on the ship or the drink. Tomorrow at noon with the changing of the guard we announce the changing of the rule. We attack hard and fast. I and Averan will lead the attacks personally. I leave it up to you Wendon to decide who is put where. Keep the best men for the Upper Barracks, it will be the one most guarded  and protected.¡±


    Wendon bowed his head, ¡°You can trust me King Sandorn.¡±


    Sandorn clasped him on the back and guided him casually back to the Captains before he returned to where Fenadorn and Averan stood.


    ¡°So that¡¯s it then.¡± Averan stretched before leaning against the rail.


    ¡°Tomorrow we bring war. Tomorrow all of Gorias will know just who and what we are.¡±


    ¡°It is time.¡±


    Fenadorn stared out to sea as he spoke but his words seeped into Sandorn¡¯s soul. It is time.


    All of their machinations before led up to this. A move to shake up the entire city, and hopefully, to rouse those who lay in wait for the return of the ancient and true Rulers of Gorias.

 One hundred and ten

    The smoke billowed artfully in the morning¡¯s air. Averan smiled admiringly thinking of how it must have looked to any onlookers. He and his brother striding in all the glamor and magnificence of their Arronian armor, emerging from amidst the ruined Gates unscratched and unharmed. Though in truth it had not been difficult. They had begun the morning coming off their ships. The Docks Barrack had been opened and waiting for their arrival. Wendon had led the Twins inside with their men as they were met with the fort¡¯s superiors. Both of them had bowed immediately and cries of Aureate had rained down on them from all sides. Even now the cries echoed in his ears. The feeling it had given him something which he never knew he craved until that moment.


    Today was not one for celebrating or delay however. With that done and the men they needed readied they¡¯d made for the Lower Barracks. Though the gates had been barred a struggle had taken place within the walls. Enough of a struggle to eventually force the doors open.


    The two superiors of the Barracks were standing in the middle of the courtyard by the time they entered.


    ¡°They know your coming Aureate Bastards. The other Barracks will not be so easy. Mark my words. They¡¯re waiting for you. Eagerly.¡±


    Sandorn put out a hand to stop Wendon who had drawn his sword and was about to head for the captive Barrack overseers.


    Averan rested his hand on his axe and waited for his brother.


    Sandorn came forward to stand in front of the two resistors.


    ¡°You don¡¯t agree with the rest of your fellows then? You wish to remain as mindless dogs to the New Order is that it?¡±


    Sandorn spoke loud enough for all to hear.


    One of the men, the one who had been quiet until now raised his head just enough to spit at Sandorn, the result of which landed on his boot.


    The sound of a hundred blades being drawn reverberated around the courtyard. Averan left his own weapons sheathed. Such moments as this were made for Sandorn. He needed no help.


    ¡°I would have offered you a chance of redemption, to join and swear oaths to me and my Brother. And yet you spit on me.¡±


    Sandorn turned to the other bound man.


    ¡°You do the same?¡±


    ¡°Yes, now and forever. I don¡¯t care about what your old ancestors did or didn¡¯t do. Whatever this is, I want no part of it or you. You¡¯ll be dead by the end of the day. Fools and traitors all of you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll die then? Execution?¡±


    Averan shook his head at the two captives exaggeratedly gesturing for them to heed his brother¡¯s words. Both of the men only laughed.


    ¡°Fuck you and your execution.¡± The man who¡¯d spat roared.


    His comrade burst out in riotous laughter at that.


    Sandorn turned and walked back five steps. Averan took a step back and warned the others to follow suit. He knew what was coming next, though he doubted most of the others did.


    Sandorn made no announcement, no proclamation. One moment he stood tall and handsome, the next he was the Beast. The Chimera.


    Averan waited a moment, savoring the looks on the men around him, all in awe and shock. Most would have seen the Forty and their Beasts when they paraded the streets during Gorias festivals of the Origin and the Blood Rite. But none so close nor impressive as Sandorn was now.


    Averan finally let his eyes rest on the two men cowering before Sandorn. The one who¡¯d spat at him moments before now almost foamed at the mouth from the speed at which he mumbled. The other stood open mouth frozen in terror. Facing the axeman or noose was no easy thing. Facing a Chimera however was another matter entirely.


    Sandorn roared before rearing up onto his hind legs pausing to allow all witness his size and strength before suddenly lunging out and grabbing the first man and tearing him in half with his teeth. Blood, skin and much more sprayed all over the still bound and kneeling man.


    Sandorn casually whipped his tail around to expertly send the man flying until he landed at the feet of Averan. Glancing at Sandorn Averan nodded, it was time for the twins to show their true power. Together.


    Almost as swiftly as Sandorn had he too transformed. His Beast sending all around him scrambling for cover. If Sandorn¡¯s roar had shook the foundations of the Barracks Averan¡¯s own shook the foundations of the city itself. He looked down to the see the man before him begging for mercy even as he was being pushed back by the force of his roar. Averan allowed him whimper for a few more moments before he whipped around his tail to pierce the man through the stomach. Hoisting him into the air Averan caught the man in his mouth and began feasting.


    Not letting things settle Sandorn pounced, using the Barracks walls as a springboard he leapt off to land gracefully atop the battlements. Averan thought about joining him up there, he could have easily managed it. But he was not near as agile as his brother and he was worried that if he used the Barracks as a springboard he would take some of it with him as he leaped. It was better not to ruin the barracks the moment they¡¯d acquired it.


    Instead he responded to Sandorn¡¯s roar from above and joined him back out on the street. Together they led the men loyal to their cause, the Chimera twins leading followed by Fenadorn and the others of their clan, then Wendon and the other Captains and then the rank and file of the City Guard who¡¯d came to their side. Whatever doubts or fears about the power of the Twins quite conclusively removed with the display at the lower Barracks.


    Now however came the real test. As they came within sight of the Gates of the New Barracks Sandorn raised up a paw to call a halt. A makeshift barricade of carts and stakes had been erected blocking their path. Fenadorn came forward to stand beside them.


    ¡°Gates barred and walls manned. Blood will spill for this one.¡±


    Averan nodded at his Brother¡¯s words, he settled for growling in agreement, he was still hesitant to try speaking in this form around so many others.


    Fenadorn scratched idly at his beard.


    ¡°A charge then? You break we follow? It has always worked before. Though we might not have faced so many we never had so many behind us neither.¡±


    Sandorn glanced at Averan, his huge eyes looked at him questioningly,


    ¡°I like it.¡± Sandorn would understand him. To hell with the rest.


    ¡°Then so do I. Fenadorn, ready the others.¡±


    Fenadorn clicked his fingers and turned sharpyly back to the waiting Wendon and Captains.


    Averan heard the orders relayed, they waited a moment to let the message pass through.


    Sandorn waved a huge paw towards the Barracks.


    ¡°After you Brother. After you.¡±


    Averan didn¡¯t even bother with a response. He burst forward, he had already reached the barricades before the first arrows whistled past him, way past him. He smashed into the blockade, using his four horns to barrel straight down the center of it. By the time he had come out the other side the hastily assembled barrier was in ruins, Sandorn could clear the rest. Averan was directly in front of the Barracks when a Ballistae fired the first of the projectiles at him. This he had to be careful to avoid, but at the speed he was moving there was little hope of any striking him.


    He didn¡¯t slow down on seeing the gate before him, he sped up. Hauling his full weight he slammed into the Gates, once more making full use of his horns. They splintered the wood before the rest of his body¡¯s considerable weight shattered them.


    The impact was enough to momentarily stun him. But Sandorn was there immediately to cover him, he came in tail first lashing out in a wide circle to completely wipe out the first lines of the Barracks defenders.  They were amongst them then. Sandorn quickly leaping up to wreak havoc amongst the archers and ballistae above and Averan down below, using horns, tail and paws to destory everything in sight. Armor folded, steel bent and bodies crumbled under his attacks. Averan could hardly keep his excitement contained, it was rare and seldom that he was able to use the Beast so freely. He relished it.


    He was almost annoyed then when their men charged into the breach and began engaging with the guards inside the barracks. Now Averan had to take care not to be too reckless or zealous in his attacks lest he kill those who were there to help him.


    The Barracks didn¡¯t hold out long. Soon there were a horde of prisoners who¡¯d laid down their weapons in search of mercy. They decided to give it to them. Only those considered ringleaders by Wendon and the others were killed, and even they only if they refused to swear fealty and oaths to the Twins. Of the ten officers rounded up only three refused to do so. Only three heads to be placed atop the battlements. This time there were no theatrics. Not with the Upper Barracks still remaining. All of them knew it would prove the most difficult to take. The greatest hold out of the New Order in the Outer City.  Once the men chosen to accompany them were in line Sandorn and Averan returned to their human forms. The Chimeras would be needed soon enough. But it was better to conserve their energy for when they would need. Back out on the streets they led the way once more.


    The Upper Barracks was distinct from the others. It came into view clearly at its point atop Breakers Hill. More a citadel than a barracks, a renovated remnant from the city¡¯s origins and one of its earliest fortifications. It had been given as a gift to the city guard by their Ancestor, King Grenar I. That fact made its capture all the more important for Averan.


    This time there would be no doubt that the defenders would be waiting and well prepared for any attack.


    Before they had ever stepped foot in any of the barracks they¡¯d considered a surprise attack on the Upper Barracks first. To take out its strongest defence first made sense. But even Wendon had been unable to guarantee that any man within the two barracks holding out could be trusted with their plan. Instead they¡¯d decided to take what they could before they brought the full might of what was available against those who would resist. And now as they marched forward Averan saw that their decision had been a wise one. When they had set out that morning they¡¯d only 1200 men at their back. The first two barracks had swelled their numbers greatly and even the New Barracks had added some more to their force. Now they had 2000 men at their backs. In comparison to the estimated 1000 inside the citadel.


    Besides it was not just a military attack. They needed to reveal themselves now not just to their enemies but to their allies also. The people of Gorias needed to see their Kings. Needed to see them marching through the streets with an army behind them. Liberators come to tear down the oppressive regime which held them down. Sandorn had already ordered for the Amata¡¯s private treasures to be flung out into the crowd as they passed. By the end of the day every man woman and child would hold Aureate in their hearts. Some men of the city guard might have been of the new way. But they were people of the outer city first. They could not fail to see what was before them now.


    ¡°Averan to the roofs, watch and wait,¡± Sandorn never looked away from the Barracks. ¡°We¡¯ll need to be aware of ballistae this time. Fenadorn bring forward the Battle Ram. As soon as a single ballistae directs their attention from us we¡¯ll attack. They¡¯ll be forced to eventally, if not they¡¯ll be left exposed from our lads attacking below them.¡±


    Averan nodded and Fenadorn drew his sword once more.


    Sandorn took the left side and Averan the right. This time he transformed mid air as he leaped upon the nearest building, unnecessary but certainly impressive.


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    There on the roofs he and his brother prowled as in tight formation and shields raised their men came forward, with battle ram to the front.


    Sandorn was right. A few archers launched scattered outbursts of arrows down on their men marching but almost all stayed locked on he and Sandorn, equally divided between the two of them.


    Averan counted 8 ballistae upon the walls. 4 each. It was unlikely any could land a clean hit, and even if they did one was unlikely to kill them outright. But it would slow them, exposing them to more ballistae. Averan knew what they could do, even to a Chimera. As fast as they were it was always a risk, especially so close and with only two targets for the Ballistae to aim for.


    Still, he thought Sandorn was being a bit cautious, but he supposed they had to be, if one of them was injured it would be disastrous for any future plans they had. He had to wait.


    Time seemed to move very slowly as they waited. Their soldier¡¯s progress was slow, the hill and tight formation combining to hamper their advance.


    Averan¡¯s eyes and ears were keen, the world took on a golden hue in his Beast¡¯s form but he saw everything, and heard more.


    Focused as he was on the Barracks battlements he saw the movement of a Captain as he waved one of the Ballistae forward to ¡®take out that Ram¡¯.


    Averan noticed the same being said to one of the Ballistae on Sandorn¡¯s side. He was going to inform his brother when he picked up a low growl. Sandorn didn¡¯t need to be informed.


    They moved at once, knowing instinctively the other¡¯s motive. Averan switched to Sandorn¡¯s side and he switched to his. The sudden movement was fast, the Ballistae were prepared but as Averan soared back and forth between the roofs he felt no danger, saw no threat.  It would take more than a few Ballistae to take them down. One, whirred past him, then another. They tried to read their movement but just as it seemed there was a pattern to their interchanging they changed again, now charging head first for the Gates and battlements. Within a matter of seconds they were streaming past the Ram and front lines, spurred on by a thunderous roar from their men behind.


    Sandorn moved ahead of him at the last moment and was first to scale the walls, Averan switched one final time and leapt upon the other side. He only needed one push off the wall to reach its ramparts. Just as he came up however a tail lashed out before him. Stunned Averan only barely managed to avoid the full tip of the spiked tail, instead it raked along his side. Averan fell, only managing to catch himself at the last second. Blood steamed and poured generously from the red line streaked across his side. Averan had never been cut in his Chimera form. But he didn¡¯t feel pain from its blow, he only felt anger. And surprise. That too.


    The tail which struck him could only have came from one Beast, a chimera. Averan didn¡¯t have time to hesitate, he charged to the side and over to where Sandorn was atop the walls. He was engaged in his own Battle with another Chimera.


    Somehow Sandorn had not only managed to avoid the blow which he guessed had been similar to the one he¡¯d face but also kept his position on the battlements.


    They were waiting, ready, Averan realised.


    Now down below Averan had to fully concentrate on his jump this time, expending a great deal of energy clambering onto the wall¡¯s top.


    He saw a blur over to his right and it was enough. This time it was no tail which came lashing over the wall but horns. The Chimera which had followed his path clearly wishing to put a conclusive end to him. This time however, Averan was ready. Instead of climbing up over the wall and into the waiting Chimera¡¯s path he only pushed upwards into the air. As he hung above he was given a moment to see all around him.


    He was instantly drawn to the courtyard where a chimera was busy repeatedly lashing its tail as Sandorn circled running along walls before leaping in and out with attacks. The men around could do little but avoid the two, there was no where or possibility of them intervening in such a Battle.


    He pushed his brother¡¯s duel out of his own mind to focus on his own.


    His blood dripped onto the wall, the other Chimera had built up quite a speed for its charge and had crashed into a number of unfortunate guards not quick enough to flee from the danger.


    Reckless. The Chimera either didn¡¯t care or was more than willing to sacrifice the guards upon the wall if it meant getting to Averan.


    Averan didn¡¯t chase. He wanted the chimera to turn and face him. With an almost casual whip of his tail he knocked a few brave soldiers who¡¯d thought to attack him from behind.


    Averan felt fury, excitement and a nervous energy building inside of him. It was his first proper fight against a Chimera, his training and fights with Sandorn all building up to this. He relished it.


    He waited for the other Chimera to attack, but it only stalked, wanting to see what Averan did. Hesitant. As if it had not expected for things to get this far. Its hesitancy was a mistake. Whenever Sandorn allowed Averan attack first he always lost. A chimera of his size should never be given the initiative. He took it now.


    Averan charged, horns down as if he was aiming to gore. The other chimera waited, raising his tail early clearly signalling how he would ruin the charge. Averan gave the impression he saw nothing, having long ago mastered the art of seeing without appearing to do so. When the tail came lashing out Averan flicked up his head, catching the tail between his horns in the most protected area of his skull.


    The force of the impact sent him spinning backwards. Quickly steadying himself Averan allowed himself to be spun before using its momentum to whip around his own tail and firing it out to land on the ribs of his enemy. The screech of pain echoed beautifully in his ears. Without stopping Averan spun once more this time ending up almost atop his foe. He brought his paw crashing into the other¡¯s face, smashing into the jaw and savouring the sound of teeth and bone as they cracked. The battle was already over but Averan wasn¡¯t finished. Pushing the other Chimera off the wall back into the courtyard he dug his horns into the side embedding them in deep as they fell. The other chimera did struggle to free itself even as it fell but the impact as it landed with Averan atop it would have been enough to kill. The horns protruding from its side only hastened the defeat. Averan roared in delirious victory, he felt invincible now. Above him Sandorn was faring similarly well, Averan saw the Chimera which faced his brother fall to its knees as Sandorn drove his tail expertly between horns into the beasts eye. When it came out the eye came with it. Sandorn was fast, so fast. Before the other chimera had even finished its roar of anger and pain Sandorn had fallen onto its back and instantly sunk his teeth into the other¡¯s neck. In a desperate attempt to free itself the enemy chimera fell with Sandorn still on him. Averan wasn¡¯t worried.


    Sandorn didn¡¯t release until the last second, pushing himself off his foe¡¯s back and away to safety. The other Chimera did try to right itself. But the hole which had been left gaping on its neck had weakened it. Weakened it significantly. It did manage to twist itself upright, but still landed awkwardly before almost immediately collapsing, exhausted and severely injured.


    Both of the defenders Chimeras now lay dead or close enough to make no difference on the courtyard¡¯s ground. Averan could feel the sense of dread seep inside the walls, he doubted their plans had considered both Sandorn and Averan avoiding the trap set for them whilst simultaneously defeating their own Beasts. The sound of a ram slamming into the Citadel¡¯s gates broke him from this thoughts. Averan turned sharply, Sandorn had a similar idea to him and they both made for the gates. Sandorn got their first, clearing the way of defenders and their meagre attempts to reinforce the gates. That gave Averan a clear shot. He smashed into the wood with horns first, so forceful that one went straight through the gate and into the battering ram beyond. For an awkward moment he felt stuck, and imagined himself swinging back and forth as the gates opened and closed. But that nightmarish image only lasted a moment before he broke fee again. The door creaked and all it took was one final heave of the ram to utterly destroy it. With that they were in. Furious fighting broke out immediately, even without he and Sandorn busy crushing any pockets of the defenders he knew they would be victorious. The defenders had expected a prolonged attack on their walls, counted on it. Things had gone wrong for them and they knew it. Now inside and with two Chimeras at their back their own men fought with a fury, flooding inside to overwhelm those still standing.


    A loud horn signalled a retreat further back into the citadel. But it was far too late for it now. Averan and Sandorn together stood in front of the gates to the inner Keep. No one was getting past them. Soon the defenders caught between them and their men were left with only two options. Fall trying to get back with the lucky few already inside the Gates to the Inner keep, or die against the hordes pouring inside the main gates. Faced with such options Averan was not surprised to see many dropping their weapons as they came to face he and his Brother.


    They were seeking mercy. Averan roared. He didn¡¯t want to give it to them now. They had dropped their weapons, was that all it took? If one man dropped his weapon he was a coward and instantly killed. If an army does it then its a surrender and all of them survive.


    Sandorn stepped across him.


    ¡°Averan. Calm.¡± He whispered just loud enough for Averan to hear.


    ¡°We can¡¯t kill them all.¡±


    Averan shook his head and growled but took a step back.


    Sandorn waited until all the defenders had been safely rounded up, finally satisfied he transformed back to his human form. Averan remained the same.


    ¡°FENADORN. Bring forward what remains of the pitch and oil. The men inside the Keep chose to abandon the fight and worse their own comrades. Men such as that are not to be trusted. Nor valued. They will receive no mercy. Burn them out. Archers to the windows, crossbows to the gates anyone thinks to pop their head out I want it taken off. ¡±


    To their credit those inside held out as long as they could. But the constant flow of flaming arrows streaming inside the few arrow slits visible and the veritable bonfire now aflame outside their only door left them little option but to attempt a last desperate charge out. It didn¡¯t last long. There was little over a hundred still remaining inside. Those who managed to pass through the flames were decimated by the rows of crossbowmen waiting for them. Averan did not even need to stir.


    Once they were all dealt with Sandorn gestured for Averan to change back. He did so reluctantly, he¡¯d never felt so alive within the Beast as he did then. It felt good to finally begin to realise its potential. Part of him wished to continue as the Beast. Indefinitely. Thankfully a larger part of him recognised the problem of such a wish.


    Transforming back he followed Sandorn who was waiting for him, together they climbed the stairs leading up to the Wall¡¯s ramparts. They stopped at the top to look back down on those gathered beneath, Fenadorn, Wendon, Lear, Savrth and the man they called Cap stood behind them.


    ¡°How many prisoners?¡± Sandorn spoke softly, loud enough only for those up with them to hear.


    ¡°441.¡± Fenadorn stated.


    ¡°Have them kneel.¡± Sandorn scratched his beard, Averan examined his Brother carefully, he was staring blankly down at the men beneath him.


    ¡°Kill them all.¡± Averan shrugged, ¡°They stood against us? I do not see why not.¡±


    He spat down heavily, congealed blood mixed with his salvia to create a red mess. The wound across his side was already healing, but he still felt its sting.


    Wendon shook his head, ¡°You can¡¯t kill all of them Prince Averan.. Some of them, no not some, many, are good men who just need directions. Being a guard here they were bound to followed the ideas of Grevus and his Masters more than the rest. But give them time and they¡¯ll be strong loyal men, willing to live and die for you.¡±


    ¡°Kill every man in four.¡±


    Sandorn¡¯s words hung in the air, Averan would have killed more, but he supposed one of four was enough.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Wendon asked.


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°My King, perhaps one in ten would suffice, I think that it is a little-¡±


    ¡°They weren¡¯t willing to die for this cause. Why would it be any different if they were fighting for ours?¡± Sandorn¡¯s question hung in the air.


    ¡°I cannot, nor do I want such men in my City Wendon. They should have died with honor, if they don¡¯t stand for something then they¡¯ll fall for anything. One in four is lenient. You know that as well as I.¡±


    That was it. There was a brief moment of confusion. Their own men, archers and crossbowmen had completely surrounded what was left of the defenders but either they hadn¡¯t understood, or more likely didn¡¯t expect such an order so there was an extended moment where no one moved. It was broken by the sound of pleading before the first eager bolts went flying into the kneeling mass of prisoners. Some struggled to rise and defend themselves. But there was no hope of that.


    Averan kept his gaze on Wendon and the Cap. Both looked annoyed at the decision to kill so many but did not hide it. That at least was a relief, better that than hiding behind a formal mask.


    ¡°Bring it up Fenadorn, it is time.¡±


    Fenadorn nodded at Sandorn¡¯s words and immediately strode away.


    Averan turned to face out to the city. Below more of the men who now stood with them were celebrating a victory. Averan was eager to join in, though with Sandorn alongside him he wasn¡¯t sure. He knew his Brother would already be thinking about the next challenge, the next task.


    We are getting closer. Day by day. Our time is coming. Soon we will have what we always wanted. Soon.


    The sound of Fenadorn marching back up the steps took Averan from his thoughts.


    Fenadorn bowed low before him and Sandorn before he handed it to them. Nodding at his brother Averan took one half and Sandorn the other. Carefully they hoisted the banner upon their shoulders and moved to where the old Banner of the Forty had been. Where it had been for the past 87 years. Together they placed it carefully on the pole and slowly, steadily unfurled the Banner in all its glory. It had been another gift left to them, one they had never had cause to use before now. Reserved only at times when both needed something to inspire them, lift them from whatever it was at the time causing their struggles. Now it fluttered majestically in the summer¡¯s breeze, it looked new, fresh. Averan smiled and Sandorn smiled with him as more than 2000 Voices rose up in cheer.


    For the first time in 87 years the twin Chimeras of House Aureate looked out over the city it once dominated. For the first time in 87 years the city Guard was led by the line of Kings. And for the first time in his life Averan truly believed that it was possible Gorias would soon be similarly led. How could he not, when it was already appearing before him.

 Old Friends

    The taking of the four Barracks had been a success. The manner of which impressive enough to warrant celebrating, after all they had taken complete control of the City Guard and only had to kill some 500 men to do so. Still Sandorn could not completely get rid of the guilt which followed him since he¡¯d woken up after a night of heavy drink. He knew there was too much for them to do to be overly celebratory in mood. But the feeling was infectious. The men surrounding him seemed to have had their doubts utterly quashed by just how he and Averan had led them to victory. Seeing the men of the City Guard around him now Sandorn realised more clearly just how much of a schism had been present in their ranks even before they were pushed into revolt.


    The inner chambers of the Citadel were still being flushed out of the smoke and fires that had been set alight inside of it the night before. It did not matter too much to Sandorn, the day was sunny but had a fresh breeze, he was happy then under a canopy on the battlements. He, Averan, Wendon and the Cap were busy organising who and how they would reorganise and garrison the barracks now in their control.


    They were interrupted by the sound of trumpets down below announcing incoming riders.


    ¡°That¡¯ll be Fenadorn and Sarvth,¡± Averan yawned as he spoke. ¡°Best hear what they have to say before we do anything else.¡±


    Nodding Sandorn put aside the maps for a moment as Fenadorn came marching briskly up to them, Sarvth followed close behind.


    ¡°Well? What word is there?¡±


    Fenadorn shrugged, ¡°Nothing we did not expect. The Gates to the Inner city closed and the walls now heavily manned by men loyal to the New Order.¡±


    ¡°And the count?¡± Averan asked.


    ¡°Well,¡± Savrth pursed his lips, ¡°Hard to be truly accurate but we have some


    2800 of the City Guard with us, perhaps a little more. However both the Eastern and Western Watchtowers arrived on the outskirts this morning. Between them that¡¯s another 800 men willing to fight for Aureate. Add to that the 300 or so from the clans and we¡¯ve got about 4,000 give or take.¡±


    ¡°4,000 it is then.¡± Sandorn played with a ring on his finger, ¡°Which leaves us up against the Houses of the Forty, us against the Inner Ring. Each House has 50 Household guards. That¡¯s 2,000.¡±


    ¡°It will take more than our 4,000 to take out 2,000 Household Guards. Each one is better armed and trained than a General of the City Guard. We would need to outnumber them far more to truly turn things in our favor.¡±


    ¡°I am aware of that Fenadorn, and besides even if we forget about the Household Guards, there is at least 120, if not far far more Chimereans within the Inner City. Me and Averan can only do so much, should they attack we are doomed.¡±


    Sandorn smiled, ¡°But they haven¡¯t. The Banner of House Aureate flew over the Outer City all night and most of this morning. And yet, no attack. They should be furious, indeed I imagine most of them are furious. They obviously expected some manner of trouble, otherwise the two carcasses of Chimeras would not be stinking up the courtyard down below us. But they did not expect this, I am sure of it. Now we have revealed ourselves completely and truly it is time to gather those among the Forty who still remember Gorias¡¯s history and the rightful place of House Aureate.¡±


    ¡°You think they¡¯ll come?¡± Wendon asked, swishing around the contents of his cup. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because this is their last chance. For those not indoctrinated into the thinking of the New Order and their system.¡± Sandorn stated.


    He had to believe that help would come. If not he knew more than anyone that their entire coup would have been for nothing and their plans in ruin.


    ¡°So how do we get those who might support us away from the others? We can¡¯t just sit here and wait, we need to act. The sooner we manage to find those Houses still loyal to what we represent the sooner we can take back the throne.¡±


    Averan pounded his fist on the table for emphasis.


    ¡°The greatest strength of the Forty is also their greatest weakness. As a united force they are formidable, a force we would have no chance of standing against were they to decide now to move against us. However unlike in the days of Kings when an order could be given and carried out directly, now they must converse, discuss and agree on exactly how and what they will proceed with. They can¡¯t launch an all out attack on the City Guard with only one House, or even a few Houses, they need them all. We must make sure they don¡¯t get them.¡±


    ¡°You know,¡± Wendon pressed his fingers to his eyelids, ¡°you did give the impression that the Houses would be lining up to join us once we had control of the outer city. The reality would appear to be a great deal different.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Averan chimed, ¡°we¡¯ve done the hard part, trust me. They¡¯ll be on shortly, I¡¯m sure of it.¡±


    ¡°We just need to give them some encouragement.¡± Sandorn stated.


    ¡°How?¡± Captain asked. ¡°We have taken control of most of the city and it¡¯s key defences, what more encouragement do we need to give these people.¡±


    ¡°A proclamation.¡± Sandorn said. ¡°A way to confirm what it is we want to do, to restore the old ways, including restoring those Houses which were made suffer for being loyal to our Family. They must know that we will be willing to reward them.¡± He paused, ¡°Has there been any word from the Inner City?¡±


    ¡°None,¡± Fenadorn shook his head.


    ¡°Then we need to get word to them, request a meeting.¡±  Sandorn called for parchment. ¡°At the Gates to the Inner city. They can hardly deny us that?¡±


    ¡°Well that will be interesting,¡± Wendon sighed but raised his cup all the same.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send word to them immediately once your are ready. It will be better delivered by me, the Forty like their customs, the Captain of your Household Guard should be the one to deliver any message.¡±


    Sandorn nodded at Fenadorn¡¯s words.


    ¡°Averan come, we¡¯ll write it together. Wendon, Cap, I think you have the barracks and their garrisons under control for now. Anything else bring it to me directly.¡±


    With that they broke, Fenadorn snatched the cup from Sarvth¡¯s hands as he made to drink another and they headed down to the courtyard. Wendon and the Captain went back to their maps and Sandorn guided Averan along the wall.


    ¡°Father¡¯s?¡±


    Sandorn laughed, he¡¯d wondered if Averan would remember. Their mother had left them few material possessions, but what she had left had been invaluable. A chest complete with two sets of Arronian armor and the swords and axe now carried by both of them. Parchments and books of their History and Gorias¡¯s, books not found in any library still standing. And a diary too. A book of their Father¡¯s hopes and ambitions, of his worries and fears. And in that book was written a Proclamation, one their Father had created for the day when House Aureate rose to prominence once more. That day was now.


    ¡°You agree?¡± Sandorn needed to be sure.


    ¡°Course I do. We are merely finishing what he started. Had he not been betrayed then we¡¯d already be back in our Palace. His Proclamation will put us on the final path to that destination. I can feel it.¡±


    Sandorn looked out over the barracks, it was still quite full of their men, the exact allocations to the rest of the city still being ironed out. The place was awash with noise and people running about with orders. Sandorn felt as his Brother did. They were approaching the end, soon they would reach their conclusion, soon their Family would rule again.


    The streets were lined by men of the City Guard leading all the way up to the Gates of the Inner Ring. The huge walls had been built in the earliest days of the city, when Gorias was just the Inner city. Now though the outer city had grown to twice the size of the Inner, its walls still dominated the landscape.  The outer walls of Gorias now stood at 100ft, the Inner were smaller, but only by about 20 ft.  Upon it now stood rows of Household guards, easily identifiable in their house colors and crests. Each one would be in Arronian armor with Arronian steel by their sides, though not quite as elegant or as pure as the Lords and Ladies might have, and certainly not compared to Sandorn¡¯s and Averan¡¯s.


    Sandorn looked on them casually as he rode up the street, he couldn¡¯t fully recognise many of them, but he saw amongst them the Green and white of House Atlantian, the blue and gold of House Larren and the Black and red of House Danann. Only the cloaks and helmet plumes separated one Household guard from the next.


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    The Gates were left wide open. Sandorn supposed the Lords and Ladies of the Forty had no reason to fear them. Whatever problems he and Averan had caused they still offered no true threat to those with the Blood of the Chimera. But figuring out how to reform the City Guard when most of it was against them was certainly an issue. They could work to try and turn Wendon and the others against them. But Sandorn believed it too late for that. Part of him was curious to see what they could come up with. More of him however did not want to give them the chance.


    Beside him Averan fidgeted once more with the Crown upon his head. The Crown of the Prince, it was similar in most ways to the one atop Sandorn¡¯s. But where his had a deep golden hue Averan¡¯s had a silver tone.


    Sandorn came to a stop about 10 paces from where the first row of the Forty was placed. A row of six, followed by a longer row of twelve and then two rows closely together of eleven. Even now the Houses were careful to categorise themselves into the positions of status.


    Sandorn smiled as he saw the face of the man he and Averan had chased from the Amata¡¯s manor standing before him. It seemed a lifetime ago now that they had met. But his face was not a forgettable one. He was wearing an elegant yet powerful suit of Arronian armor, artfully crafted with the green and white of his House. From it Sandorn could glean which House that was. House Atlantian, one of the 6 Circlets. Which must make him Lord Asral Atlantian.


    Sandorn gave him a slight nod.


    No one spoke. All waited. Waited for them. Sandorn let it build, only drawing out the document containing his Father¡¯s proclamation when he felt his silence veering on the verge of annoyance.


    ¡°Lords and Ladies of the Forty, my subjects.¡±


    Sandorn had warned Averan to remain stony faced but from a subtle glance to his right he could see his Brother stifling a laugh. Sandorn had insisted the subjects line was not meant to be a joke but Averan still treated it like one. Looking back to the faces of the Forty Sandorn had to admit he could see why. He pushed back any hint of a smile however.


    ¡°I stand before you today, Sandorn Aureate, alongside my Brother, Averan Aureate. We are the Twins Aureate, sons of Devran Aureate, son of Savar Aureate, younger brother to Avern Aureate the last King of Gorias. We are the Line of Kings, the purest Blood of the Chimera and the Family to which each one of you owes both your genetic and social standing. Without House Aureate there would be no Gorias, there would be no Inner City, there would be no Lords and Ladies of the Forty. Without the ancestors of our Proud House there would not be the greatest civilisation ever created in the history of mankind. I call on all of you to remember your own Family¡¯s history, and its oaths. Many of you forgot those very same oaths when the last King of Gorias was so cruelly killed, many of you abandoned them completely. Some of you¡­..¡± Sandorn stopped to look up, ¡°Some of you openly violated that oath. But now I, Gorias¡¯s true King offer you the chance to forge anew what was broken. Should you join and aid us in the return of Gorias to the old Ways then you and your Family will be given places of high honor by our sides, just as you once held before. Under House Aureate Gorias became what you see before you today. Should you recognise me and my Brother once more Gorias will have its Glory. That I swear to you.¡±


    ¡°You swear?¡± Lord Asral laughed and waved his arms about him, ¡°What exactly? How exactly? If it is true and you are who you claim to be then what of it? Your family and all it represented have not ruled in Gorias for over 87 years, yet now you stand before us and make such ridiculous claims. Does this hubris come from a misguided youth or idiocy? Or perhaps it is both?¡±


    Sandorn nodded, ¡°I understand why it must seem that way to you Lord Asral. Before our House¡¯s removal you and your Family were little more than a middle ranking House. A lower Garnet by today¡¯s standing I suppose one might say. A House known for its deceit and treachery.¡±


    A few sniggers broke out behind Asral, Sandorn knew he had exaggerated, House Atlantian had long strove to attain the highest power and influence within the Inner City but had always fallen just short, until the day when the Kings fell.


    A quick glare from Asral shut down any outbreaks of laughter.


    ¡°Amusing young Aureate, amusing,¡± interjected one of the Lords by Asral¡¯s side.


    Sandorn knew the speaker. Gorias¡¯ old man, Lord Grend of House Larren. Eldest of the Great Lords he looked frail even in his armor, but his stare held character, steely behind his smile.


    ¡°I admire your boldness, your youthful ambition. Most would not have thought you would rise so far and so high. You have done well, even I will admit it. But the time for games is over young Sandorn. You cannot stand against us. You are putting a great deal of lives at risk for your own desires. Can you live with it?¡±


    ¡°Do we stand against all of you? Tell me what have the Lords and Ladies of the Forty decided then? You are united yes, and you said it yourself, we cannot stand against you. So why then I wonder, have you not made your move? Why?¡±


    Averan placed his hands behind his back and began to rock back and forward.


    ¡°The Houses of Gorias were never so divided when our Family were Kings. Each Family had as much say as the next. Is it still so? Or could it be that certain Houses among your ranks deem to place themselves far above those around them? Is that right? Is it just? Is it fair?¡±


    Sandorn was careful to make a note of every shuffle, every murmur at Averan¡¯s words. The Forty were united in name only, he knew it, as they did.


    Lord Grend shook his head, ¡°You make a lot of noise, but lack any true substance. You have no right, nor claim to Gorias¡¯s throne. For there is no throne. We rule as one now, the Forty Families. Question it as much as you wish, so it is now and so it will remain. Your House may once have been proud and strong, but it lost its way. We placed Gorias back on the right path. We will not allow you to mislead it once more. Surrender now and we will offer you consolation. A reinstatement of sorts, both of you will be permitted to serve as Ambassador¡¯s for our city. Your name yet carries weight, I¡¯ll not deny it, even in the Outer cities all know of House Aureate.¡±


    ¡°That is a fine consolation Twins, be wise, do right by all who follow you.¡±


    Sandorn turned to face a new speaker. A Lady. Mirinda of House Parandin. Sandorn wracked his brains to recall what he knew of her. She had earned a fine reputation as one of Gorias¡¯ most astute negotiators, overseeing a time of great prosperity and renown for her House, including the arranging of marriages which further strengthened her own Family¡¯s position within the Circlet. Her husband had died at sea, journeying to the Kingdoms beyond, most agreed it had been a good day for House Parandin.


    ¡°Take what is being offered,¡± she continued, ¡°for it will only be offered once. It is a only as a sign of respect and nod to your Family¡¯s heritage that it is made.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Sandorn stated. ¡°We refuse any offer which does not see us restored to our rightful place.¡±


    ¡°No?¡± Asral shook his head in disbelief. ¡°We offer you a kindness and you so rashly refuse us. Your arrogance is truly astounding, even a little impressive I¡¯ll admit. But it will be your downfall. I assure you.¡±


    ¡°We have made our Claim clear. Any House which follows us will be given a place of high honor by our side. Many of you suffered when our Family fell, join us now and we will restore not only our House but also yours.¡±


    Lord Grend sighed before raising his hands as if in exasperation.


    ¡°So be it, our offer given and flatly refused. Enough of this.¡±


    When Lord Grend lowered his hands things happened suddenly. Six ballistae appeared up on the walls, three for Sandorn, three for Averan. Before he could shout a warning they had already fired.


    There were few who could transform so quick as Sandorn or Averan, but even they would have never been able to change in time. Fortunately they did not have to. As Grend had lowered his hands Sandorn had spied some movement and screams from behind, before he could properly identify however the ballistae had diverted his attention. But now he could see just what had caused the commotion. A chimera. And one that had rushed in front of the Ballistae to protect them.


    He was big, as big as Averan even. Sandorn had seen the Beast¡¯s tail whip out to slam into the bolts and send them flying out into the crowds. Now the entire place was in uproar. Sandorn and Averan almost in unison transformed themselves. They were not the only ones, some even began to charge out towards them, coming to a halt to surround the first Chimera who had saved them.


    Soon there was dozens of Chimeras strewn all along and under the wall. Before any true fighting could break out however Sandorn heard the calls for the Gates to be called and a retreat ordered. He did the same reluctantly, Fenadorn down beside him ready as always to carry out his commands.


    It had crossed his mind to attack, but that was only a rash and suicidal thought, he¡¯d of never made it past the Gates nevermind the entire Inner city. Averan had clearly had the same idea, unlike Sandorn however he had decided it was time to press an attack. Sandorn forced him to a halt, desperately dragging him back, Averan resisted at first but reality soon hit and he quickly turned to join in the covering of the retreat.


    Running beside Sandorn was the large Chimera who had intervened to save them, alongside him came four more Chimeras. As they ran Sandorn examined their leader, he thought he recognised the face, impossible as that was in the Chimera form, something in it brought him back to his childhood. He just wasn¡¯t sure what.


    Sandorn and Averan along with their new Chimera companions were the last to enter back into the Upper Barracks. Though it had been clear quite early on there would be no chase.


    Once the Gates were closed Sandorn immediately turned to face the new Beasts who had accompanied them.


    Now that he looked on them he counted five, including the large one who had risked his lfe to save them.


    Perhaps it was not such a good idea to close the gates, the two of them alone could not stop so many.


    It was with relief then that Sandorn watched as one by one the other Chimeras transformed back. He followed suit, though Averan did not.


    Sandorn tried and failed to hide his surprise. He knew the man staring intently at him now, had once know him well, called him uncle even.


    He was supposed to be dead.

 To the Past

    Averan didn¡¯t wish to change back, but even he could not disguise his desire to know just what was happening.


    In front of him and Sandorn stood Lord Dranar of House Dronian.


    A man they thought dead. One who was supposed to have fell alongside his Father. Beside him were two men, each a few years older than Averan and two females, a woman who looked about forty and a girl about half that.


    ¡°Lord Dranar.¡± Sandorn announced, ¡°I take it that this is your family then.¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± Dranar confirmed.


    ¡°Let us head up to the Battlements. Me and my Brother have much to discuss with you. Your family will be shown inside.¡±


    ¡°My daughter comes with me.¡±


    Dranar pointed to a girl standing beside him. Averan guessed she was the same age as he and Sandorn from the look of her. He had to admit, the girl was gorgeous. She was tall, athletic looking. Her long black hair was tied up in a slightly old fashion but it highlighted the fine features of her elegant face. She was pale and her lips were painted a deep purple, matching with the colors all about her. Averan took his eyes off her reluctantly.


    Sandron didn¡¯t seem fazed, however, instead, he shrugged and gestured over some guards to take the others inside.


    ¡°Very well. Let us go above then.¡±


    Fenadorn led the way up. Averan¡¯s mind raced with memories as he followed him, of days spent with Lord Dranar¡¯s family out at sea. It had always been out at sea when the families met. He remembered Dranar visiting them sometimes at their homes in the lower Quarters, but on such occasions, he always came alone.


    He supposed the daughter must be the same one he and Sandorn had once played on board with.


    They sat down opposite each other, in complete silence.


    He had changed a lot. His House, Dronian, had once been one of the Circlet, or at least on the verge of it. A powerful force both politically and militarily. Averan knew why his House was now in the position it was in, even if it was not a fact spoken publicly. Dranar had once been the most trusted friend and confidant of their Father. His man on the inside. It was generally well known that he had been a vital element of a failed scheme to return the Kings. Father¡¯s scheme. He and his Father had once been close friends. Fenadorn once told him and Sandorn of how their Father and Dranar had spent a summer travelling the Border lands together. Before Mother, before both felt the pain of the World around them. Dranar¡¯s House had suffered much for that friendship. His House now a shell of its former glory, his once lofty position a distant memory.


    He was the same age as his Father would have been, forty two, but he looked at least ten years older. Despite the wrinkles on his face he did have the wide shoulders and frame of a warrior, and when he stood across from them Averan saw that the man was almost of a height with him. He probably would have been at least that twenty years ago. He had always seemed giant to Sandorn and Averan on the few times he had visited them as kids.


    His bow was curt, formal and without warmth.


    ¡°Sons of Drevan. The Twins.¡± A slight smile broke out on the man¡¯s lips, ¡°You have grown. Considerably.¡±


    ¡°We have,¡± answered Sandorn. ¡°Are you surprised by it? It has been over 13 years since we saw you last.¡±


    Dranar nodded, ¡°Yes, a long time. Things were better then. Hunted yes, but not with such vigor. I used visit your Father often, I was there for your birth and Princely Baptisms. I watched you grow.¡±


    ¡°Once you might have. Though after our Father died you never watched us again. Tell me, when he died where were you? Do you know how he suffered?¡±


    ¡°He was not the only one who suffered. Believe me Sandorn.¡± Dranar sighed, ¡°We were young, brash. We had no true plan, reliant on too many variables. Both of us erred. I can neither forget nor forgive myself for that fact. But I can go some ways to redeem it. Learn from the mistakes we made and you will succeed. I lost everything when your Father died.¡±


    ¡°Not your life.¡± Averan replied.


    ¡°No, not that.¡± Dranar agreed, ¡°But a great deal more. I brought my House from the highest points of Gorias¡¯s Families to the lowest. Your Father died a tragic Hero. I live mine a failure. One doomed to History as the Lord who oversaw the greatest collapse and fall of any House of the Forty. I may not have died with your Father, but  it might have been better I had.¡±


    A silence fell over them then.


    ¡°It¡¯s been a long time Fenadorn. You¡¯ve gotten old my friend.¡± Dranar spoke to break the awkward silence turning all his attention onto their old protector.


    Fenadorn nodded, ¡°I have, as have you. A lot has changed since we last met. A lot. I would have thought to have heard from you. From you of all people. I heard nothing. You were presumed dead.¡±


    Dranar smiled sadly, ¡°I imagine you would have thought as such. It would have been better I had died. But there was a great deal that I had to deal with also. A great deal. Many people suffered for our folly.¡±


    ¡°Is that what you call my Father¡¯s plans?¡± Averan retorted, ¡°Folly?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Dranar stated. ¡°It is precisely what I call it for it is precisely what it was. Folly.¡±


    ¡°You dare dishonor our Father¡¯s name-¡±


    ¡°I dishonor nothing. I knew your Father better than anyone.¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t there at the end.¡± Sandorn spoke quietly.


    ¡°No. I wasn¡¯t. While he was cornered at one end of Gorias I was cornered at the other.¡±


    ¡°And yet they killed him. But not you?¡± Averan questioned.


    ¡°Not me. I was a Lord of a proud House after all, one of the few who had maintained their position even after the kings had been removed. And I was young. They thought it enough to throw me in a cell to contemplate on my traitorous nature, and so I remained for four years. I was not seen or heard of, a ghostly remnant. Meanwhile my Family was left a member of the Forty in name only, its wealth taken and its power removed. All because of me.¡±


    ¡°You know most people would say thank you.¡± The girl broke in, anger clearly etched on her skin, ¡°Perhaps even an apology. For what my Father lost because of his friendship with your father. It is not all about you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Averan snorted, ¡°You think what you went through was anything like what me and my Brother suffered. While you remained in the High city, with an army of servants and Household guards to serve your every need. Truly we are in your debt.¡±


    Averan gave a low mocking bow of his head.


    ¡°Careful boy.¡± Dranar growled. ¡°We are not here to be mocked.¡±


    ¡°Do not call me Boy, and you don¡¯t get to make commands, you can¡¯t show up here demanding respect, that is not how respect works in the lower city.¡±


    ¡°Then we should have let the New Order kill you back at the Gate then is that it?¡± The daughter got to her feet. ¡°We won¡¯t suffer your insolence.¡±


    ¡°My daughter speaks true, what respect we show you we ask you show us in return. Let that be known before we speak any further.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Sandorn broke in.


    ¡°Alisha is my name. Alisha of House Dronian. Daughter to-¡±


    ¡°Sit down Alisha.¡±


    Dranar stood up alongside her and drew his sword.


    ¡°Have a care how you speak to her King Sandorn.¡±


    Averan was on his feet immediately with his own axe out.


    ¡°You made a mistake coming here.¡±


    ¡°Sit down Averan.¡± Sandorn placed a hand on his brother¡¯s elbow.


    ¡°And you Lord Dranar be seated, a man of your age should know better. We are thankful that you risked your life to save us back at the Gates, and for your Family who chose to return with us then back to their home. My Brother does not care much for titles or eloquence, but perhaps he was a little rash. Though can you blame him? You can not be shocked that there are questions hanging over you, surely.¡±


    ¡°Questions are fine,¡± Dranar said sitting back down. ¡°Ask what you will, but I am no beggar. I came here to offer you aid, but that does not mean I am your slave, ready to heed your every command.¡±


    ¡°No one is saying that you are.¡± Sandorn picked up a beaker of wine to pour out drinks.


    ¡°Perhaps I did speak rashly,¡± Averan admitted, ¡°I meant no true offence.¡±


    ¡°Nor did I,¡± added Alisha a little sheepishly, ¡°and I apologise if I did so. I just did not want my Father made feel further guilt for something he already feels strongly on.¡±


    ¡°I can understand that,¡± Averan sighed.


    ¡°Why now?¡± Sandorn asked. ¡°You did not think to reach out to us before?¡±


    ¡°You think I did not want to? Ever since your father and I had our failed coup I have been the most watched man in all of Gorias. My every move observed, I¡¯ve been shunned, most unwilling to even be seen with me. You think I could have strolled into the underground for a meeting. To offer up my services and help to the twin sons of Drevan? My best friend, the man I trusted and fought for, killed for. There was never a moment I could act. Not until today.¡±


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Averan drank deeply, Dranar made a good point. Had he visited them it may have led to their discovery far earlier, it might likely have put them in more danger. Still, he could have tried. Should have.


    ¡°It is not that I did not wish to, I was always a willing accomplice to your Father. What loyalty I had to him now passes unto you. And if I am honest, when I look back now I am glad I have waited to so openly display my allegiance to your cause. You are already far better prepared then we were. We were foolish, putting too much faith in ourselves and not enough time thinking about how we could gain the support of the other Houses.¡±


    Dranar tugged at the tight beard on his chin, ¡°Back then the wounds of the last Kings were still fresh. Had your Father been more patient¡­..but it is done now. Over with, and we have a chance to rectify everything that was done and lost. If I did not believe that I would not be here.¡±


    ¡°They won¡¯t hurt your family?¡± Sandorn asked.


    Dranar laughed bitterly, ¡°Oh they would, gladly. But I learned from my mistakes. It was well known that you and your Brother were to be killed if you did not accept the generous offer given to you. I knew no sons of Drevan would bow to such demands. So I made my plans. My family is already out to sea, safely on board a galley to Aishfeall. There they will remain until we are victorious. I have remained along with my daughter, my sister and her two boys.¡±


    Averan nodded appreciatively at the mention of victorious.


    ¡°I like your confidence Lord Dranar. Though as of now, even with the five Chimeras your family has added we are still quite a distance from tearing down the rule of the New Way.¡±


    ¡°The Chimeras are needed. But they won¡¯t be the key in this War of yours. The Forty don¡¯t want to have to kill the main core of the city¡¯s army, the retraining and loss of expertise and experience is deemed too costly for what they see as a minor disturbance.¡±


    Averan bristled a little at minor disturbance, if that was all the Forty saw them as then they were sorely mistaken, he¡¯d ensure they were made to pay for their hubris.


    ¡°What then in your belief is the key?¡± Sandorn said.


    Dranar picked up a cup from the table and swirled it in his hands, ¡°Numbers. You¡¯ll need as many or at least a third of the Houses to come to your cause.¡±


    ¡°And I presume you can help us with that?¡± Sandorn raised his brows, ¡°Is that why you are here now?¡±


    Dranar shrugged, ¡°You have been impressive so far, but you could only do so much, know so much from the outside, to succeed you need to meet with those willing to aid you.¡±


    ¡°So there are those who still believe in the old ways, in our House.¡±


    ¡°There are,¡± Dranar said carefully, ¡°but they can not all just up and leave the Inner city to come to you. I know from experience why they will not leave themselves so exposed. But with you out here and the New Way busy deciding what to do with you there is opportunity. Get even a few of the Lords and Ladies of within to join you in attack and that will be enough to topple them from within. All you need to  do is go to them, go to them and speak with them alone.¡±


    ¡°Most would say that impossible,¡± Averan said.


    ¡°Most would,¡± agreed Sandorn, ¡°and also, how much do these Houses want from us exactly?¡¯¡± He laughed, ¡°They worry about leaving themselves exposed. If they want change then surely they must accept some risk, if not then do they truly desire it?¡±


    ¡°Within reason they do. I know it is hard for you to imagine. But should they join with you and fail then hundreds of years of their family and ancestors work will be left in the hands of the New Way. Likely the House will be destroyed and its members killed or exiled if they are lucky. It is a lot to risk.¡±


    Sandorn shrugged but when Averan caught his eye they shared a glance.


    We need the allies more than they need us. Sandorn knew it as well as he.


    ¡°It is true what you say.¡± Sandorn said, ¡°It is a lot to risk. You must understand that we have been working towards this aim of ours for all our lives. Sometimes it is hard not to wish for a greater urgency.¡±


    Dranar smiled, ¡°You sound like your Father. He never did have time for indecisiveness, always ready for the next move, the next step. I loved your Father but realise now our mistakes. We had no allies. Nothing. Your Dad was the greatest warrior I ever seen, but he¡¯d no time for politics. No patience. Without ensuring we had the necessary Houses behind us he rushed in, we were doomed. You must learn from that. Continue as you have been, building, always adding more to your side. That is how you will win.¡±


    Averan had to admit, Dranar spoke well, and his words made sense. He supposed Father would not have been so close to him if he didn¡¯t.


    ¡°You can get us a meeting then? With these would be allies?¡± Averan asked.


    ¡°I can, and what¡¯s more I have already arranged it. Royal tunnels lie beneath the city. Built solely for your family in time of emergency. Your Father revealed them to me. From the very same tunnels that your Father and I once planned to use to attack the New Way and their allies you may slip in undetected.¡±


    ¡°And you can ensure that these would be allies will not betray us? How are we to know that they can be trusted. We might be walking into our death.¡±


    ¡°Believe me, I only went to those Lord and Ladies I was certain would support you. Only five. Those who did not shun me after your Father and I¡¯s last attempt. I took no chances, there are likely many more who I could have invited to any meeting. But I had to be certain. Once you have met with the five I am certain of then you may consider those others who may or may not be willing to go against the New Way. They have agreed to meet you tomorrow at midnight, at the Temple of Arfall near the Eastern courts.¡±


    A silence fell over them, Averan found himself wanting to catch another look at Alisha. However when he glanced over he had to quickly look away.


    Staring right at me? Is it because I drew my weapon on them? Or something else, maybe she wanted to catch a look at me?


    Averan shook his head slightly before realising she was still looking at him and his face as it contorted into an assortment of expressions as he pondered.


    He refocused, narrowing his eyes once again. He thought he saw a hint of a smile on her face but couldn¡¯t say for sure.


    Sandorn got to his feet, ¡°Lord Dranar.¡±


    Sandorn held out a hand and Dranar shook it. Averan supposed he better offer his hand too. Dranar shook both warmly.


    ¡°You have our thanks for today, if not for you we¡¯d of had fallen by the Gates. A rather dismal end that would have been. But as I am sure you can understand there is a great deal I, my Brother and our men must now discuss. I hope you will not feel adjudged by your exclusion from such discussions for the moment.¡±


    Dranar raised a hand, ¡°Have no fear of that King Sandorn. I and my family have made our decision. We are here now, there is no return left for us. Talk what you will with your men, I will be waiting. In the meantime Alisha and I will retire to our family in the Citadel. We too have much to discuss.¡±


    Sandorn and Averan both nodded.


    Dranar gave a terse bow to them before standing straight and staring ahead he placed two fingers to his forehead and then towards the sky. The Royal salute. Averan knew of it, but had only ever seen it from Fenadorn and a few of the selected soldiers. it was always done in private. To see Lord Dranar doing it now, so openly made him pause. Beside him Sandorn was similarly froze. Alisha followed her Father¡¯s example making the same sign as her Father had.


    Sandorn finally responded to the ancient sign, when he began to make his own Averan had found his own composure and was making it too. Fenadorn completed the signs. Averan couldn¡¯t explain it, but he felt a thrill at both seeing and doing the sign so openly. Such customs had long been forgotten in Gorias. No more.


    Smiling grimly Dranar began to move away, stopping only once more to


    clasp hands with Fenadorn. Neither looked away when they met, Averan thought it strangely intense. But whatever it was between them only lasted a moment. Alisha followed up her father with a similarly brusque curtsy before they exited.


    Sandorn waited until they had left before sitting back down.


    ¡°Well?¡±


    Averan shrugged, ¡°He seems a tad sensitive. But he did save our lives. That does count for a lot in my books.¡±


    Sandorn tapped idly on his forehead, ¡°Fenadorn?¡±


    Fenadorn had been silent for a long time as they¡¯d spoke, observing it all. Averan supposed it must have been difficult for him seeing Dranar after so long.


    ¡°Well, It is true that neither of you would be alive if not for him. And it is not just him that joined us, he brought his Family into this with him.¡±


    ¡°We can trust him?¡± Sandorn asked.


    Fenadorn shrugged, ¡°Dranar loved your Father more than anyone, worshipped him in many ways. Can we trust him? As much as we can trust anyone. Dranar was always ambitious. Had your Father and he succeeded he would have answered only to the King and no one else. His House the undisputed second of Gorias. I doubt he has changed much in that regard. His House did suffer badly from the failed coup, that is well known. From one of the most powerful and ancient Families to a Wreath, one step away from being excluded from the Forty. That will have hurt him, with the return of you two I¡¯m sure he sees it as a way of reclaiming that lost glory and prestige. And he will do anything to achieve it.¡±


    The sound of trumpets heralding riders broke into the conversation.


    ¡°That¡¯ll be Wendon and the others.¡± Fenadorn strode over to the parapets so as to confirm.


    ¡°See what they have to report Fenadorn. We will be down shortly, we need to speak to Wendon and his fellow officers about the Inner Gates and wall.¡±


    Fenadorn nodded and headed down.


    Averan hiccuped, ¡°Sorry,¡± he examined his cup, ¡°wines a bit sweet isn¡¯t it.¡±


    Sandorn put a hand on Averan¡¯s shoulder as he moved to walk off..


    ¡°What do you think of that girl of Dranar¡¯s?¡±


    ¡°The girl? Oh yeah, ahm what was it Alice?¡±


    ¡°Alisha. Her name is Alisha.¡±


    ¡°Ahh yeah, yeah that¡¯s it. Alisha. Pretty girl.¡±


    Averan went back to examining his cup.


    ¡°You know we don¡¯t have time for drama now. Nor romance.¡±


    Averan sighed, ¡°No time? Drama and romance are what make us human Brother, they are not something one can just turn off. And besides who says there has to be drama with romance? Can¡¯t there be one without the other.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps, though not with you Brother.¡± Sandorn glared at him, ¡°Just be cautious ok.¡±


    ¡°Cautious?¡± Averan looked at him with mock sincerity, ¡°Yes my liege, as you command so it shall be.¡±


    Sandorn put his fingers to his eyelids as Averan bowed low. Averan began to laugh but it was cut short as Sandorn shouldered past him sending him to the ground.


    ¡°Come Brother, there is much more for us to discuss. And bring that wine you think too sweet with you. It¡¯ll make the speaking that bit easier.¡±


    Averan smiled as he got to his feet.


    It was barely past midday and already he¡¯d survived an assassination attempt, met again the man his father called his closest friend, a man who he thought dead, and raised his weapon against one of the most beautiful women he¡¯d ever seen in person. An interesting morning, he thought, he could not wait to see what the evening would bring.

 Guardian

    Dranar shook his head, evidently perturbed by Sandorn¡¯s plan.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a fool, we could spend hours down there and not find another way up. There isn¡¯t any guarantee that there even is another way up for Gods sake.¡±


    ¡°Neither is there a guarantee that there isn¡¯t another way up. You said it yourself you¡¯ve only ever used the path you are proposing, there may be still many number of places we can re-emerge.¡±


    Dranar glared at him, ¡°My family remaining here isn¡¯t enough? You still want to test me is that it? Were you not Drevan¡¯s sons I would not stand for this.¡±


    ¡°We are Drevan¡¯s sons, and you know why, we can trust no one Lord Dranar.¡± Averan interjected. ¡°Besides you can not completely know the minds of those we are meant to meet. What is to say they won¡¯t have betrayed us.¡±


    ¡°Because I have given you my word. There is no traitor amongst them. There are committed to you and your cause, I assure you.¡±


    ¡°Even still,¡± Sandorn said, ¡°My Brother is right, and what harm is there in exploring the tunnels further, it will be good to have more than one way in or out. For now and the future.¡±


    Dranar scoffed, ¡°Very well then. Let is be on your Heads.¡±


    ¡°It always is.¡± Sandorn smiled and waved for the others to join them.


    They did not require a large force for this outing. If indeed it was a trap then it didn¡¯t matter how many men they had with them, and if it wasn¡¯t then they would be safe amongst allies. In theory at least. Sandorn wasn¡¯t sure about the meeting, it would have been better if the Lords and Ladies had come to them as Dranar had at the Inner Gates. But he supposed that would have resulted in a bloody mess of Chimeras fighting and killing one another. He did not want his Family¡¯s return to be heralded by all out war in the streets. Not unless they were left with no other options. Perhaps it was better this way, coming to power with an overwhelming strength behind them through careful planning and hidden deceit from within. It had worked with the City guard, mostly. And if he was to lead he¡¯d have to get used to such things, secrets and spies seemed to come natural to the Houses of the Forty. The last Kings of Gorias had put to one side the intricacies of politics and the inner workings behind the scenes, he would not make that same mistake.


    It didn¡¯t take long for them to reach the entry point, Dranar¡¯s map was old but accurate it seemed. One by one they made their way down into what seemed like the sewers, the entrance point cleverly designed to spill out into the Ausgan river which flowed through the city. Had they not had the map it would have been almost impossible to spot the ledge which gave room for just one person to hang down before climbing in.


    Once inside Sandorn and Averan took the lead, often having to bend down as their path looped and twisted under Gorias¡¯s streets.


    A little behind them came Dranar, flanked unofficially by Lear and Sarvth, and finally, Fenadorn, who spoke in hushed tones to Grend.


    The tunnel was damp, dank and had clearly not being passed through for a very long time. That fact at least pleased Sandorn.


    The old passages had been placed as a last resort for the Royal Family should an enemy besiege the city and breach the Inner Ring. It irked him a little that his Father had given the old maps to Dranar, his closest friend he might have been but he was no Aureate. Then again, Dranar was once supposed to lead the forces through the tunnels, if he didn¡¯t deserve the map then no one did.


    Dranar had shown where and how they could get to the meeting point. It was a location he had tracked himself many times and greatly lessened any chance of them being exposed above ground. Sandorn had refused, however. They would take a different path to the meeting. Their own path.


    The tunnels gave several different access points from the inner to the outer city. As unlikely as it seemed, especially with the rest of his family back at the citadel with the threat of a thousand men hanging over them, Sandorn was still reluctant to put too much faith into Dranar¡¯s hands. Whatever waited for them he wanted to give themselves as much opportunity as he could to prepare.


    From the maps Dranar had given them it seemed there were once six entrances to the underground passages, paths scattered all around the Inner City. Dranar had only been on the path most convenient for them and had tried to convince Sandorn that the others were a waste of time. From what he knew all the others had either been revealed or destroyed. Even the map, as old as Father¡¯s time at least had three entrances marked off in red, Sandorn guessed either collapsed or built over as the city grew. Of the three not marked with an X the two they had already scouted had been inaccessible. One had not moved no matter what they tried. The other they had managed to open a fraction with great effort and combined force. But to open it entirely would have meant returning back the way they had come for the necessary tools to pry it open. Averan had suggested the Chimeras, insisting that his would have the door open in seconds. Sandorn had flatly refused that idea, however. Averans sometimes forgot just how big his Beast was, and besides the force needed to open the would be clearly heard by any situated above. Sandorn didn¡¯t want any within the Inner Ring to know of he and his Brother¡¯s arrival. They had agreed to meet with Lord Dranar¡¯s chosen few after midnight, yet it was important they saw just what waited for them. Even now he still did not trust his supposed allies. Inside the Inner Ring they were surrounded by other Chimeras. He and Averan might be able to find someway to escape if things went awry, but that still left Fenadorn and the others. Caution was needed.


    As they headed for the final exit point, though Dranar said nothing Sandorn knew what he was thinking, but he did not want to give him the satisfaction of being right.


    ¡°How much further?¡± Averan moved up noisily behind him shaking Sandorn from his thoughts.


    Sandorn shook his head, ¡°Are you serious? How much further? Are you ten years old? I don¡¯t know exactly do I, the maps give an idea but they¡¯re old, and some of the paths in ruin. When we¡¯re there I¡¯ll tell you how about that.¡±


    ¡°The maps give an idea? Well then surely you have an idea, since you insist on holding the map. So again I ask, how much further? Just give me an idea, we¡¯ve been down here long enough. I hate these kind of places.¡±


    Sandorn stopped and waved his torch about him, ¡°You hate these kind of places? You mean you hate the dark underground tunnel which might collapse at any moment, that is full of rats and other vermin and smells and looks like a sewer? Really you don¡¯t like it? Strange brother, this is great for me.¡±


    Averan pushed ahead of him, ¡°You are very on edge aren¡¯t you. And what¡¯s with the repeating of everything I say. How old are you, nine? I¡¯m just making conversation is all.¡±


    ¡°Complaining isn¡¯t conversation.¡±


    ¡°Yes it is, most conversations are only that. Prices, family, weather, all most people do is complain.¡±


    Sandorn raised a brow, but when he thought of it he did kind of agree with Averan. Conversations are just complaining for most people.


    He kicked out at another creature trying to climb his boot, ¡°Alright I guess it is but let¡¯s leave that conversation for now. The complaining can wait, we have to think about what we will do inside.¡±


    Ahead of them the tunnel widened and showed up an area more well maintained than others, marked on the walls with the Royal symbol of House Aureate, now faded but still visible in the torchlight. The Chimera Twins. Two blood red Chimeras opposite each other on a white field. Sandorn and Averan had long been amused by their own similarity to the sigil.


    This was the third time they¡¯d came upon such an area already today.


    ¡°Right, this must be the Eastern Opening.¡± Sandorn announced.


    ¡°Finally.¡± Averan said.


    Like it had been with all the exit ways the gilded ladder stood in stark contrast to its dour surroundings.


    ¡±Same as before, I¡¯ll go up first and see, ye folllow close behind. Whatever is above us we overwhelm. Ready?¡±


    ¡°Ready.¡± Came the answer from the group.


    ¡°This is madness,¡± Dranar grumbled.


    Ignoring him Sandorn edged his way up as slowly and as silently as he could. Pausing at the top he looked back down to make sure once again all were ready.


    He pushed and was surprised to find that the trapdoor moved easily.


    He was even more surprised to find that it was dark above, no sun, no torches. It was almost exactly like the underground.


    Could it be another level? No, impossible. The maps would surely have shown it.


    A push from below sent him stumbling forward.


    ¡°Well?¡± Averan hissed.


    Sandorn steadied himself before he moved up, letting his boot trail just enough to hit Averan across the head as he climbed up after him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, seems like it¡¯s a cellar of some sort.¡±


    Sandorn¡¯s eyes were starting to adjust by the time the others had clambered out of the tunnels.


    It was definitely a cellar, the space given over almost entirely to wine barrels.


    Averan drew his axe, ¡°Well little else to do but head up. Nothing else for it.¡±


    Sandorn scratched his chin, ¡°We were down there for hours but still, it can¡¯t be too long after dark. Perhaps we should wait awhile, let things grow quieter above.¡±


    ¡°Wait?¡± Averan shook his head, ¡°For what? You said it yourself, we need to check and see if Lord Dranar was true to his word. There might be an army waiting out there for all we know. It¡¯s dangerous but is it anymore dangerous than staying here? If someone comes down looking for a bedtime tipple then what? No, I say we move. While we can.¡±


    Sandorn nodded before drawing out his sword, ¡°A fair point. We have surely spent the day down below, it¡¯ll be dark enough. Cloaks off, let¡¯s be as inconspicuous as we can.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Averan agreed, ¡°I¡¯ll head up first.¡±


    Sandorn would have protested but Averan was already on the stairs.


    Quickly throwing off his own cloak he brushed down any loose pieces on his armor and followed the others.


    Averan did stop at the top of the stairs. But only for a moment. Instead of peering out Averan barged up, so suddenly that he almost knocked Fenadorn coming behind him.


    At least he hadn¡¯t roared.


    Almost immediately however Sandorn did hear cries of pain.


    Panicking Sandorn leapt up the steps behind Fenadorn and Lear, the only sound he heard the cries of pain. His brother¡¯s pain.


    So it was with great confusion that he found both Fenadorn and Lear in fits of laughter beside the stairs entrance. Before Sandorn could berate them he saw why.


    Averan had his axe down, held sideways. Evidently trying to illustrate his unwillingness to trade blows. The old man beating him with a thick wooden stick was having none of it however.


    ¡°Dog.¡±


    Twack.


    ¡°Vile scum.¡±


    Twack.


    ¡°Cowardly youth of abandoned mind.¡±


    Twack.


    ¡°How dare you besmirch my family home. My abode. My premises. My living quarters. Risen from the bowels of an ancient ruin far beyond thy comprehension.¡±


    For an old man busy thumping his Brother the fellow spoke with a surprising eloquence. One which totally belied his ragged appearance.


    Sandorn waited a moment for Sarvth, Dranar and Grend and to get up and witness the source of the other¡¯s amusement. It was a rare sight indeed to see Averan so helpless.


    ¡°ENOUGH. Enough you old fool.¡±


    Averan was desperately trying to reason with the old man but getting nowhere.


    ¡°SANDORN, get him off, the dolt is mad, don¡¯t make me kill him.¡±


    Sandorn was happy to let the scene continue a little while longer, it was only a stick, no matter how annoying it might be Averan could stand there all day without a blemish.


    He only stopped laughing when the old man turned on them, finally realising Averan wasn¡¯t the only cowardly youth of abandoned mind present.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°Aha. What is this? More of your fellow ne¡¯erdoers is that it? Scavanegous vermin, you thread on sacred passages made for a higher kind than you. Only the forfeit of your lives shall satisfy the wrongs you have committed.¡±


    He waved his stick at them, with some skill it must be said. ¡°Give it freely, or it shall be taken. Let it be on your own head the decision you make it.¡±


    Sandorn raised his hands and gestured for the others to do likewise.


    ¡°Easy now good sir. We have intruded on you, me and my companions. But I assure you none hold more right to these passages than we. For it was for my Family such construction was made.¡±


    ¡°LIES. How you make such vitriolic claims without burning on the ground before me astounds. You know nought of what you speak. Fool.¡±


    Sandorn looked carefully at the old man, he must have been past seventy judging from his balding head and long silver grey beard. His clothes looked as old as him, a tattered faded surcoat wrapped around him. Sandorn frowned. No.


    ¡°Thou art a Guardian per chance?¡±


    He thought it fitting to match the elder¡¯s speech style.


    The old man¡¯s eyes lit up at the mention of Guardian.


    ¡°What did you say?¡± He whispered.


    Slowly, with very deliberate movement Sandorn drew out the map. Pointing at it he took a step toward the man.


    ¡°You are a Guardian. One sword to protect the routes and entrances my Family built. I am Sandorn. That there,¡± he pointed to Averan, ¡°the victim of your onslaught is my Brother. We are twins. Our Family name, Aureate. Sons of Drevan Aureate we use these tunnels in order to gain access back to the Inner City, Back to our Family¡¯s lost throne and our lost birthright.


    Tears glistened in the old man¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Aureate. Then your Father is¡­..Gods conceal me but I see it. You have his eyes , his nose. His face.¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°The Twins. You live. You live and now you are here. With me.¡±


    Moving faster than Sandorn could have ever thought possible for such old bones the Guardian embraced him. Grabbing him in a bear hug tight enough to take his breath away. Turning slowly the old man looked around to stare at Averan. For a moment he just stood, staring.


    ¡°Look you old Fool-¡± Avern began.


    He was interrupted by wails from the old man as he fell to his feet before him.


    ¡°Forgive me, Blood of the Kings. Blood of Gorias¡¯s true rulers and Lords. Forgive me, Grolo of the Guardians. For my isolence and my ignorance.¡±


    Tears flowed from Grolo¡¯s eyes,


    ¡°I¡­.I¡­ I did not know.¡±


    Avern looked to Sandorn, drawing out his axe he nodded down to where the man knelt. Sandorn waved his axe away.


    If Averan had decided to cut the old man¡¯s head off Sandorn doubted Grolo would of protested such was the anguish strewn across his face.


    Sandorn knelt down to help him up.


    ¡°Easy, friend. You were only fulfilling your duty. You are a Guardian then yes? You must forgive us, we thought perhaps your order was at an end.


    As Sandorn helped him up he felt the sudden change in Grolo, going from a crazed attacker full of passion and indignation to a feeble and tired shell of a man.


    ¡°Oh we are. We are at an end. The others and their families long since rooted out, moved or killed. My district of the passages the only now left standing. My entrance the last bastion of our order.¡±


    He grabbed Sandorn lightly by the collar, ¡°I never wavered, never faltered. I kept my oath. The same as my father kept his and his father before him. Kingsmen all, we never abandoned that which was right. Never.¡±


    Sandorn smiled, ¡°You stayed loyal all these years. WIthout any Royal instruction, with no walkers of the hidden paths.¡±


    Grolo¡¯s eyes shot open.


    ¡°Oh no, there were those who walked them. Trespassed. Young fools exploring what should not be explored. Let in through the damage those who destroyed your family caused in their searches.¡±


    Averan laughed, ¡°You stopped them then yes? You and that bloody stick of yours.¡±


    ¡°Bloody? Yes, yes very.¡± The old man¡¯s eyes went distant, his voice dropped.


    ¡°Four of them, your age, perhaps younger. Young, scared. They trespassed. They saw what should not have been seen. They could not reveal the passage secrets. Even us Guardians know only of our own disctricts. I keep mine and the other five keep¡­.did keep theirs. They trespassed, I had to stop them.¡±


    ¡°Stop them?¡± Sandorn stopped smiling.


    ¡°Yes. Their bodies are below now. It may be you passed them.¡±


    ¡°You killed them?¡± Averan raised a brow, ¡°Because they were in the tunnels.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes. My order¡¯s directs are quite clear. No one is allowed in the passages. None save the Royal Family and those it deems fit. They had to die.¡±


    Grolo laughed bitterly, ¡°What else was I to do? Once we would have been respected, given weaponry and armor worthy of our position. Now? Now all I have is this stick to protect me. Me and the path.¡±


    No one was laughing now. A silence greeted the old man¡¯s words.


    It was Grolo himself who finally broke it. His clapping filling the room.


    ¡°But now you are here. My life¡¯s purpose fulfilled. I stayed true, stayed loyal to my oath. To guide, protect and maintain the way. Under pain and torture. Ohoho Gods know I have suffered for it. A wife and two children left from me. Years of social exile, a relic from a time past. My family, once respected reduced to scrambling to keep what we have. All our riches, our gifts and prizes given to us by the King, all of them gone. Only the home which they granted remaining to us. But I know what it means to be a Guardian, I know, I know. The First King choose the Six himself you know. Men of valor and character. My ancestor was one such man. A soldier who served in the first campaigns of our people. He was given land and a home inside the Inner Ring. Even though we were not Blood of the Beast, of the Chimera. It was gifted to us and in return our Family was given an entrance, our homes built upon its structure. I remember my family History. I remember.¡±


    Sandorn scratched his head, looking to Averan his Brother drew a hand across his neck. It took a minute but eventually Sandorn shook his head.


    The old man was crazy, that much was clear. As a Guardian he likely was supposed to punish any trespassers, perhaps even kill. It seemed probably that he was just doing what his Order was supposed to. Then again¡­


    He had killed some innocent if overly adventurous teens, evidently unable to recognise the decline of his Brotherhood. Killing seemed a bit extreme given the circumstances. But had he let them free? Would they not have revealed the passages in their entirety, effectively shutting down their way into the Inner Ring. It might be a mercy.


    ¡°I knew your Father,¡± The old man seemed to read Sandorn¡¯s thoughts as he blurted out the words.


    ¡°You knew him?¡± Averan questioned, still holding his axe at the ready.


    ¡°Knew him? I grew up with him. We were fourth cousins once removed me and your Father, yes, yes we were practically brothers ourselves. Grolo and Drevar.¡±


    ¡°Drevan.¡± Dranar corrected, he¡¯d been glaring at the man since they¡¯d arrived.


    ¡°And I have never seen you. I thought you Guardians had died out a long time ago.¡±


    Grolo turned and finally seemed to notice Dranar for the first time.


    ¡°Lord Drana? Is that you? By all the Gods¡­.it has been years.¡±


    ¡°Dranar. We met?¡± Dranar asked with raised brow.


    ¡°Well, we did in many ways yes. I heard a great deal about you. You were supposed to be the one I met down here. I was to lead you out.¡±


    Dranar nodded, ¡°I recall mention of such a man, it is a pity then we did not get so far.¡±


    ¡°A great pity.¡± Grolo agreed.


    He sighed before turning back to the boys.


    ¡°But you two, yes, yes¡± Grolo continued, ¡°Seeing as me and your Father were so close I suppose that would make me an uncle to you boys. Of sorts.¡±


    ¡°Of very, very far off sorts.¡± Averan snorted, ¡°The whole of Gorias might be our fourth cousin once removed, hardly an endorsement.¡±


    ¡°Ah but none of them are Guardians. None loyal like me. When your Father tried to make his plots I was ready to aid him. I was going to be the one to open the entrance and lead him and the others back to the old Royal Quarters. Me. Isn¡¯t that right Lord Dranar.¡±


    ¡°It may have been.¡±


    Whatever about distant relations and uncle status, Grolo somehow knowing about Father¡¯s failed plots was an endorsement. Perhaps he was not always so crazed.


    ¡°You were willing to help him. Does that mean that you are willing to help us?¡± Averan asked.


    The old man bowed low, ¡°Of course. I am yours, as you are mine.¡±


    He straightened and his eyes took on the crazed glare again, ¡°I have killed in your Family¡¯s name and honor. What was done once before might be done again. Mine loyalty is yours, now and forever.¡±


    ¡°Easy, easy, Grolo. Your loyalty is enough, do no kill on our account. Not now, not ever. If killing needs to be done then we shall manage it ourselves. Your protection of the Paths, whilst admirable in its¡­tenacity, should be tempered. Use the stick if you must, but no blood. Do not risk your life or anyone else¡¯s for the Paths.¡±


    Sandorn turned Grolo to face him, ¡°That is an order. Guardian.¡±


    ¡°An order?¡±


    Grolo placed two fingers to his forehead and then towards the sky, replicating the same Royal salute Dranar had done the night before.


    Sandorn felt conflicted seeing it.


    Grolo was a killer of three boys, at least. Sandorn didn¡¯t want to ask about anymore. Still, they needed every loyal man they could get, even those of a slightly deranged nature.


    Grolo could be dealt with later. There were more pressing matters to attend to.


    ¡°Do you know of the Point Edifice? We are planning to meet some friends there later, by an alley in its shadow. We¡¯d very much appreciate if you could guide us there, somewhere overlooking it preferably. We wish to see just how many of our friends will be there to welcome us.¡±


    Sandorn shook his head at Dranar before he could protest.


    Grolo raised a brow, ¡°Seems like a lot of caution for meeting some friends. But caution is good, Gods know I have learned that fact oft enough.¡±


    Averan pulled a face, impressed. Sandorn felt the same.


    Grolo hadn¡¯t taken long to get their meaning. Perhaps he was not totally gone to them.


    Grolo clapped his hands excitedly once again, ¡°Well, it¡¯s already after dark, and I see little point in wasting time here. Come, I know the perfect spot. Point Edifice, a fine meeting place. Alright then, follow my lead. Walk with pace, but not too much, and a great deal of purpose. You are Kings remember, walk like ones. I¡¯ll play the role of your Herald and ye the two Lords returning home with your Lordly guard. All will be well.¡±


    Without another word Grolo marched over to a large door, Sandorn counted seven locks, all engaged on it. He kept his eyes on the door pretending not to notice the rest of the room. It was a mess. A large circular room which once no doubt served as a fine kitchen. Now however furniture, clothes and a mass of cutlery and dishes were strewn all over the room. It didn¡¯t seem at all a dwelling fit for human living.


    He¡¯s suffered for his vocation, for his family and their long held oath. He¡¯ll need to be cared for. Another on the list of things needing changing.


    After letting everyone out Grolo meticulously went through the process of locking the door again. Once he was ready however he soon proved his value, guiding them expertly through the streets, smoothly swerving and switching paths to avoid any of the potential traffic. Of which there was thankfully little. Most already about their hearths and the heat of their flames.


    Sandorn was relieved, he¡¯d memorised the route they needed to take on the city map, but still, in the dark and trying to allay suspicions it was easy to get lost. Gorlo¡¯s presence made certain that wouldn¡¯t happen at least.


    They walked in silence until finally reaching a small park.


    ¡°Almost there now, that spot I told you of,¡± Grolo whispered.


    Sandorn looked up at the night sky, he judged they still had at least an hour before midnight. Their early arrival gave them some time to seek out any traps and to make sure only those supposed to waited for them. It was also important to get Grolo safely away. If things went badly it was best he was not near, and if things went smoothly, well then it was also better he and his stick weren¡¯t anywhere near them.


    Grolo guided them towards the back of the park, past a cluster of well-kept trees. Gesturing frantically for them to stay behind them he edged out towards a low wall, beyond it lay a fine view of the Inner city and directly below it was the Point Edifice.


    Grolo got down onto all fours and slowly peered out over the drop. Eyes wide he turned back to look at them and mouthed the words,


    ¡°They¡¯re here. Too many. A trap.¡±


    Sandorn shared a look with Averan, trying not to show his disappointment, he had not been open about his optimism but it was there. Behind them Sarvth and Grend pressed their swords against Dranar. Dranar himself looked on astounded. Sandorn did not see any insincerity in the surprised look upon his face. Perhaps he did not know his chosen few so well after all.


    Sandorn made to creep forward himself, Averan did likewise. However, they¡¯d hardly taken a step before Grolo began waving them down.


    ¡°I¡¯ll deal with this,¡± again he mouthed at them.


    ¡°You¡¯ll what? What did he say?¡± Averan hissed. ¡°Oi, you old fool. Wait. WAIIIITTTT.¡±


    Grolo just smiled back at them, slowly drawing out his stick from his back.


    ¡°Oh NO, no, no, no. Hey, hey,hey, no stick. No Stick.¡±


    Averan¡¯s whispers grew increasingly more panicked, and loud.


    Grolo nodded to himself, with a sudden burst he leapt up and over the wall and was gone.


    Sandorn¡¯s head dropped, ¡°Shit.¡±


    They waited for the sounds of slaughter. They waited but only silence reached them. It took a moment but Sandorn heard it first. The faint sound of giggling. Just beyond the low wall.


    Sandorn sighed and got to his feet slowly, strolling over he looked past the low wall. There was a small unmarked pathway that skirted along the wall. Beside it lay Grolo, desperately trying to contain his laughter.


    ¡°There¡¯s¡­another..step.¡±


    Averan got up and rushed over, before Sandorn could stop him Averan dropped the butt of his axe down into Grolo¡¯s stomach.


    The air instantly taken from him, the old man¡¯s eyes bulged, his laughing caught in a gurgled mess of wheeze and giggle.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you past such foolishness, this is hardly a time for playing, Guardian.¡±


    Sandorn heaved Grolo to his feet and urged him back towards Lear, ¡°See him out of the park. We will find you later Grolo, now we have some things to attend to. You get back home safely and look after yourself. And no killings ok? No killings.¡±


    Grolo still winded nodded slowly, ¡°No killing. I¡¯ll be waiting¡­at my home. Waiting.¡±


    Sandorn motioned for Lear to take him away.


    With that done with he headed over to where Averan now lay scowling, Fenadorn and Grend moved up beside them with Dranar in between.


    ¡°If we¡¯ve gone through all this shit for nothing I best be hearing apologies off you boys.¡± Dranar said under his breath.


    ¡°It was worth going through all this shit to see the look on your face when Grolo mentioned an army waiting.¡±


    Sandorn smiled at Averan¡¯s words.


    Dranar gritted his teeth, ¡°Foolishness all of it.¡±


    In the darkest edge overlooking the meeting alley they all lay watching. All they could do now was wait.

 Twenty three

    Fenadorn was already busy setting up a perimeter around them, ordering Lear, Sarvth and Grend and into positon. Averan left him to it, Fenadorn would see them suitably placed to cover all angles.


    ¡°Well, old Grolo certainly found us a good spot.¡± Sandorn said.


    Averan snorted, ¡°That old fool will get us killed Sandorn. Believe me. Those kids were harmless, and he killed them. Killed them. I don¡¯t know if even we can work with that.¡±


    Sandorn shrugged, ¡°We might have to. We need everyone and everything we can get Brother. You know that. So he¡¯s a bit crazed, he has already proved useful. And he¡¯s loyal. Beyond loyal even.¡±


    ¡°Beyond mad more like.¡±


    Averan would have continued but a low whistle that they both immediately knew as Fenadorn stopped him.


    Pushing themselves closer to the ground they peered out.


    Down below to their right, a lone figure was approaching rapidly.


    He strode confidently towards them before taking a sharp right as he came to the alley where they would meet. Pressing himself quickly up against the wall he looked back around the corner from where he¡¯d came. He did the same on the other side before he turned to survey the alley surrounding him.


    Averan watched him closely, the figure was well hidden, his features indistinguishable. "Well?" He asked.


    ¡°That is my man,¡± Dranar whispered. ¡°Alone as promised.¡±


    ¡°Does seem like its just him.¡± Averan muttered.


    ¡°It would indeed appear so.¡± Sandorn replied. ¡°He doesn¡¯t look like a man about to spring a trap. More like a man seeking to avoid one.¡±


    ¡°Well then?¡± Dranar asked.


    ¡°Another minute.¡± Sandorn replied.


    Averan admired Sandorn¡¯s restraint, even if he was a little too cautious at times.


    They continued watching as the man shrunk back into the shadows, all but completely concealing his presence from any who might pass. Thankfully none did. The streets were quiet at such a late point. Patrols would be out on the streets, but they were only a formality Averan knew, with the wall so secure no one would suspect the Aureate twins inside the Inner Ring.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Sandorn muttered, ¡°Me and you Brother. Dranar can remain for the moment.¡±


    Dranar sighed in exasperation but said nothing.


    Averan nodded and together they slowly backed away, it was important they didn¡¯t give Fenadorn and the others position away.


    They moved quickly through the dark streets. Upon entering the alley it did indeed seem empty.


    ¡°You hide well messenger. We are here. As promised.¡± Sandorn spoke quietly but with authority.


    The messenger bowed low. ¡°King Sandorn. Prince Averan.¡±


    Rising he frowned seeing only the two of them.


    ¡°Lord Dranar is not with you? It was he who sent me here, he who arranged for the others to meet. He is not here?¡±


    ¡°We are here.¡± Sandorn pulled back his own hood, ¡°Lord Dranar is not of your concern for the moment. He will be on shortly.¡±


    ¡°I am afraid that-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Averan interrupted, ¡°So long as you lead us to our waiting allies then you have no reason to be.¡±


    The messenger stared open mouth for a moment before he finally nodded.


    ¡°So be it. I meant no offence.¡±


    ¡°None taken,¡± Sandorn assured him.


    ¡°I was told to follow your orders should my Lord be waylaid. He foresaw this situation apparently. Come then, when Lord Dranar made his plans for a meeting of the most powerful allied to your cause, this was chosen as the most suitable location. One fitting for such an occasion. The Lords gathered by Dranar and sympathetic to your cause await your arrival.¡±


    The messenger turned and led them deeper into the alley, only stopping when he was a hands length from the wall.


    There he halted and pulled out a dagger. Averan instantly drew out his axe, Sandorn took a step forward placing a hand on his sword hilt.


    ¡°Relax,¡± The messenger urged, ¡°This blade is for no body but my own.¡±


    Closing his eyes he drew the knife slowly across his hand. Averan raised a brow and looked to Sandorn but he only stared amazed.


    ¡°Dragonsteel.¡± Sandorn whispered.


    Averan turned back to the messenger and began nodding in understanding.


    ¡°Ahh Dragonsteel. Now I see.¡±


    Truthfully Averan couldn¡¯t remember much about dragonsteel, he knew it had some kind of uniqueness or special skill, but could not remember what. Dragonkind were the greatest magic wielders in the world though. It was likely something along those lines. Still it didn¡¯t make sense why the man had cut himself.


    The messenger continued to mutter for at least a minute before he opened his eyes again and carefully placed his hand against the wall.


    Instantly his palm alighted and the wall shifted, pulling apart like a stone curtain to reveal a dark corridor.


    Averan clicked his fingers, ¡°Blood magic, ah yes I see. Nice little blade that.¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± The messenger agreed. ¡°Now, if you would follow me. I will lead you to the others.¡±


    ¡°A moment.¡± Sandorn waved back towards the park.


    A moment was all it took for the others to regroup with them.


    The messenger sighed with relief on seeing Lord Dranar between Lear and Fenadorn. He bowed low to him.


    Lord Dranar nodded back, ¡°Move quickly Rens, the sooner we are inside the better. The Twins might believe me when I say no trap awaits them now.¡±


    ¡°None yet at least,¡± Averan whispered.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Rens answered his Lord, returning towards the wall.


    Sandorn tried to hide his uneasiness as they headed in, but Averan knew him well. Always doubting, always on edge.


    He supposed his brother had always been like that. But whatever natural inclinations he had were compounded by the betrayals Father had experienced.


    Averan strode ahead, Sandorn¡¯s cautiousness was a perfect antidote to his brashness. Let Sandorn worry, whatever awaited them he was ready. And excited.


    The man closed the entrance behind him in much the same way he¡¯d opened it, only this time without the mumbling to himself. They were plunged then into darkness. But only for a moment, quickly a torch was lit and their way illuminated. They did not have to travel far, Rens had not gone 10 steps when he came to a door. A plain one without adornment. Oak. He met the door with three heavy knocks, after another moment the sound of an oak beam being drawn reached them and the door swung open.


    Averan was surprised when Sandorn headed in first, even before the Messenger.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Averan laughed at his brother¡¯s impetus and gave the messenger who¡¯d met them a playful shove forward.


    ¡°An introduction then,¡± he whispered, ¡°Something nice and cheerful like.¡±


    The messenger raised a brow, ¡°An introduction?¡±


    ¡°No. I¡¯ll do it.¡± Sandorn announced ahead of them.


    Averan looked around the circular room they now occupied. Before them was a round table, at which sat five people. Behind each stood a guard. Captains of their Household no doubt. Ignoring them all for the moment Averan moved up alongside Sandorn.


    Sandorn had listed off likely and potential allies to prepare them should they be present. Averan had not bothered too much with listening. Too much seemed to be a waste of time. He¡¯d learn of them after meeting, not before. Still, because of it he was now able to recognise most of those gathered on sight.


    Lord Dranar had not revealed any names to them. All they knew was that this was to be a gathering of only those certain to be loyal to their cause. And now here they were.


    Lord Panaer Parandin was unmistakable, his ermine cloak bound with a silver chimera. His House was a wealthy one, one of the few who truly paid attention to the sea and the trade it brought with it. They had recently risen to become one of the more prominent of the Garnet Houses. At least of those who had suffered after the disposal of the Kings.


    Lady Merida of House Danann was there, she had been a first cousin to their Mother, and one of the few Averan had heard of well before he and Sandorn ever dreamed of reclaiming their throne. She was old now, possibly seventy. She looked frail yet sat up straight, proper, ladylike.


    Young Lord Cendar of House Iden stood out on account of his age. He was clearly the youngest of those assembled, perhaps a year or so younger than he and Sandorn even. His grandfather had perished alongside their own Averan recalled.


    Lady Liniseh of House Ledrand would have caught his eye even without any description. She was not a young woman anymore, her husband had died at sea, caught in the treacherous oceans between the new lands and the old. She had remained a widow, ruling her House with, by all accounts, an iron fist. She certainly looked a ruler, her stare seemed to penetrate his soul. He smiled at her all the same. She didn¡¯t return it. Despite her older years, she had not lost any of her youthful beauty. Once commonly referred to as the Rose of Gorias Averan thought it still a fitting moniker.


    The last he did not recognise, nor could he recall their House.


    ¡°Lords and Ladies of Gorias,¡± Sandorn began, ¡°I am Sandorn Aureate. This is my Brother, Averan Aureate. We are the Twin Sons of King Drevan II and Queen Senara. I am pleased that you have agreed to this meeting. There is much for us to discuss and much to plan.¡±


    ¡°There is,¡± Lord Dranar agreed coming up behind them to pull up a seat, ¡°much and more. Allow me to introduce to you the members of our Council. Those we have risked much in order to be here before you tonight. The five before you represent all those Houses which would offer you fealty. That is 23 Houses in all.¡±


    ¡°23?¡± Averan had to calm himself, he had never expected so many. Dranar had never mentioned this before.


    Sandorn gave him a quick glance but Averan ignored him.


    ¡°23 yes.¡± Dranar confirmed, ¡°Though we must remember that those Houses which would oppose us are predominantly composed of the Upper Houses, and we the lower. From what we know, our enemies hold in the Circlets 4 and Garnets 6. Along with 5 Wreath Houses. That is more than enough for them to be able to dictate how Gorias is ruled.¡±


    ¡°Rens,¡± Dranar waved his man forward, ¡°A formal introduction if you would.¡±


    Averan listened intently as Rens called out the titles of their co-conspirators, patiently waiting for the last one he didn¡¯t recognise to be called.


    ¡°......and finally Lord Yan of House Dunedain.¡±


    Dunedain. Averan was reminded of Sandorn¡¯s words about the six most powerful, he was annoyed with himself for forgetting about such a significant House, one of two Circlet Houses not part of the New Order and the only one allied to them.


    Yan was an ambitious middle-aged man. He had already made great strides in bringing his House to the fore of the Inner city but his House¡¯s lack of prestige or past glory held him back. It wasn¡¯t until the end days of the Kings that Dunedain had become a major player. For a House of the Forty they were still seen as relatively upstarts. Breaking in to where they didn¡¯t belong. Sandorn had mentioned him being an eager if slightly opportunistic supporter for them, seeking a way to consolidate his Family¡¯s position amongst Gorias¡¯s most powerful. His presence was as welcome as it was surprising.


    ¡°Before we begin,¡± Sandorn began, ¡°Allow me to reiterate our position. I and my Brother will restore House Aureate to Kingship. Those who follow us will be granted all they once had as they stand by our side. We won¡¯t forgive those who once betrayed us, but neither will we forget those who choose to stand with us. Many houses will be utterly destroyed when we are finished. Their riches, land, power and strength will be yours to divide.¡±


    ¡°We are all here because we believe in what you represent, what your Family once represented.¡± Lady Merida cast her eyes over all those gathered before resting on first Sandorn¡¯s and then Averan¡¯s own eyes. ¡°What it can represent in the future. Our city may have no King in name, but those who call themselves the New Order rule as ones by any other metric.¡±


    ¡°You have a plan then?¡± Lord Yan raised a brow, ¡°You have done well to get this far I won¡¯t deny that, yet the most difficult part remains to be resolved.¡±


    ¡°We are Aureates,¡± Averan smiled, ¡°We always have a plan. A good one too. Sandorn.¡±


    Sandorn raised his eyes slightly at Averan¡¯s tone but took a step forward to stand at the head of the table.


    ¡°We take the Palace.¡±


    Sandorn¡¯s words drew a number of shared expressions of surprise. Dranar looked both impressed and pleased, Averan could not help but notice. Like the others, it was his first time hearing of such a plan. Dranar at least seemed to approve of the boldness.


    ¡°The palace is a shadow of its former glory, a glorified meeting room for the Forty to hold their pseudo Councils. We take the palace and return it to the pride of Gorias once more. Its entrance from below was destroyed by the collapse of one of the tunnels but with a few good men and some hard days work it can be cleared. The palace was once our Family¡¯s home, though elegant it was built with security in mind. From any foe, out or inside the city, and that includes Chimeras. We can hold them out there, we have enough men to man the palace walls. If it is as you say and there are 23 Houses willing to support us then all I ask is 10 men from each House. A number small enough to go unnoticed but large enough to help secure any vulnerable areas.¡±


    ¡°I like it,¡± Lord Cendar announced, ¡°If the palace is ours the New Order will be forced to attack, they could not such an insult as that to go unchecked. Once they make their plans of attack we sabotage it, turn the attack on them without warning. By the time they realise that they¡¯ve been deceived we will have already achieved victory.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Sandorn smiled happily at Cendar¡¯s words.


    Averan too was impressed by the fervor displayed in the young Lord¡¯s response.


    ¡°And are you sure you will be able to take the Palace? Expecting an attack or not it won¡¯t be easily overrun.¡± Panaer¡¯s voice was loud, booming, one used to be being heard. ¡°We need to be sure of success. Once we move that¡¯s it. There will be no going back. For any of us. ¡±


    ¡°Exactly, one chance. It¡¯s better this way.¡± Averan shrugged, ¡°There¡¯s no reason to have a Plan A because it only distracts from Plan B. We must make it work. We will make it work.¡±


    ¡°We will do as we claim. Do not doubt us..¡± Sandorn added.


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Yan answered, ¡°But I know what it is to plan, and to fail. Your plan is a good one I give you that. But there are still variables.¡±


    Averan shook his head, ¡°There will always be variables, this is no easy thing we seek to accomplish. But it is time to act. We wait then it is only to the advantage of our enemies, not us.¡±


    Sandorn nodded at Averan¡¯s words. Gods I¡¯m speaking like him. What the hell is happening here.


    Sandorn ran his hand through his hair, Averan couldn¡¯t help noticing the lingering stare given to his brother by Lady Liniseh.


    ¡°A week from now. That is when we make our attack. Hide yourselves, stay reclusive and keep suspicions away until the Palace is ours. They can¡¯t risk attacking one House without being sure of its deceit. Act as normal and keep them from knowing your true intentions. Once they deem to retake the palace we will await your signal before launching an attack. Beset on both sides we¡¯ll easily surround and overwhelm them, all before they have time to realise just what is happening.¡±


    ¡°Since I have already revealed myself, me and my family will help take the Palace. It may be we will need to use our Beasts. There will be at least some Chimeras of the New Order amongst those inside it. We¡¯ll use the tunnels to safely convene and update on what is occurring and where.¡±


    Murmurs of agreement greeted Dranar¡¯s words.


    ¡°A week from now,¡± Avern repeated. ¡°Does anyone take issue with this?¡±


    No protest arrived.


    Dranar stood up and took a beaker from off the center of the large table. Pouring himself a cup he passed the beaker around one by one until everyone had a cup in front of them.


    Dranar raised his own, ¡°Well then, it seems our Royalty has not been idle. Their plans solid and their ideas well thought out. I for one am pleased. The Twins Aureate are the Blood of King, in appearance and nature it seems.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Lady Merida said raising her cup to join him. ¡°Together we shall restore the Kings and our own Houses to their rightful places.¡±


    One by one the others joined them until only Yan was remaining.


    It took a moment but he slowly raised his own, ¡°To the Twins Aureate, sons of Devan Aureate. And to all gathered here now, together we will succeed in our aims. I for one will do anything to make it so.¡±


    Sandorn and Averan raised their own cups and together they drank.


    He caught Sandorn¡¯s eye as they toasted, this was a moment they had long planned for, and now it was finally here. Strangely Averan felt a pang of sadness. He didn¡¯t know why. Thoughts of the future? Maybe it is because we will soon have our lives changed forever? A simple smile from Sandorn was all it took to calm him. Whatever happened, the Twins of Aureate would succeed. He silently added his thought to the toast.

 Attack

    Sandorn wiped away the sweat from his brow. It was finally here.


    The past three days had been spent exploring further the tunnels. Each and every primary route tracked and mapped out.


    The work on the palace entrance had been slow. The workers had to be precise and cautious with their work lest any above should hear them. What should have taken a day ended up taking three.  It had given them time to plan however, Dranar had used the time to organise the best locations for the Houses to send down what men they could spare to aid them. Sandorn found that the men of the city guard perked up with the introduction of the Household guards, eager no doubt to prove themselves just as capable and formidable.


    In the meantime, Sandorn himself had been leading groups underneath familiarising himself with the paths. Grolo had been a willing teacher, his knowledge of the Family¡¯s history a testament to how fervently he followed his ancient role. Even Grolo could not recall ever hearing or reading about the Royal tunnels being used, the last Kings had no time or opportunity to escape he¡¯d explained, taken as they were by surprise. The fact only motivated Sandorn further. The Houses which had removed and promptly filled the power vacuum of the King did so amidst a war with the Vampiri. While the last Kings had been busy dealing with Gorias enemies their own people had been busy plotting against them. All of the Houses and their descendants who¡¯d gained from such treachery needed to be made pay. Sandorn vowed to make it so.


    Now it was time for him to use the Royal tunnels to take back what was stolen from them. It was poetic in a way, using the paths supposed to be a last resort of escape to instead reignite the Aureate dynasty.


    As he approached the ladder leading upwards into the palace Sandorn motioned for the others behind to be quiet, though it was hardly needed. He and Averan would lead the first foray above, Dranar and his family of five joined them. Seven chimeras would be enough to get them a foothold in the palace. Then it would be up to the 300 men specially chosen by Wendon and the 100 men given to them by the Houses to secure the area.


    Fortunately for them, Dranar had been able to draw up a blueprint of the palace. Sandorn knew from it where to go and how to get there.


    He paused a moment on the ladder. Taking one final breath he pushed up and hurriedly climbed up the final steps.


    Above he was relieved to see the cellar empty. The opening itself was carefully disguised under a column. The entrance opened into its hollow center and from there it only took a gentle push by Sandorn to discover its hidden door. He was not surprised it had survived in secret for so long.


    Hopping up Sandorn waited with growing impatience as one by one more and more of their men emerged. Averan was up first but moved off quickly to secure the only door leading into the place.


    The vanguard was made up of half city guard men and half Household Guards given to them by their allies.  The cellar was large enough, but by the time the 50 chosen were all up and ready it was almost full.  Each one of the Household guards had left their Family''s sigils and colors behind,  replaced instead with old cloaks of the City guard. That and having their faces concealed meant it would be impossible for anyone inside to identify who and where the men originated from. Their allies would be safe. Besides, Sandorn did not plan on anyone being left alive.


    Once they were ready Sandorn waved them forward and they headed out.


    Behind them, Fenadorn would be preparing the second and third teams. Until they had enough men out it was important that they did not allow any alarm to sound out.


    It was the Chimereans leading, Sandorn and Averan followed by Dranar, Alisha, Dranar¡¯s sister Alaina and her two boys, Droned and Grundar.


    It was well past midnight and the palace was quiet. After the Kings had been removed the palace had been transformed into simple Council rooms, a place where the Forty could meet and plan their next moves. As a result, it was a far cry from the essential fortress it had once been during the time of Kings when the Palace Guard had numbered 200 of its finest soldiers and its corridors rang out with the sounds of servants and courtiers.


    They met some, Averan took out the first they came across. An old man with a candle down sweeping the lower quarters. Averan easily snuck up behind him before pressing a dagger to his back and urging silence. The man, terrified had freely given himself up. He was passed back to where he and any other servants they found would be left until the palace was secured. Sandorn had been adamant that no servant should be harmed unless absolutely necessary. They were only doing their job, they had no loyalty or part in the New Order.


    Three more servants were apprehended as they approached the steps leading to the palace proper.


    The guards there would be a bit more of a challenge. In the darkness behind him, Sandorn could sense rather than see the build-up of men. They were almost ready, most should have been above ground by now.  It was almost time to press on a full attack. But every moment they could avoid detection was to their advantage. The guards on the steps needed to be dealt with, subtly.


    Averan gestured to him, pointing a finger at first himself, and then Sandorn.


    Sandorn nodded. Two guards, two twins.


    The guards were not on high alert, that was evident from both their volume level and output. Presently they were having a heated debate over which Outer City was the most depraved. Both held spears and had on identical armor of the palace guards. These men were evidently a far cry from what their unit once stood for.


    ¡°It¡¯s Yarsan, it has to be.¡± The guard on the left stated. ¡°Why else would everyone finished in the Academy head straight there. Tradition it is. And why is it a tradition? Because it is easily the most depraved.¡±


    ¡®Tradition?¡± The one on the right scoffed, ¡°What¡¯s that got to do with anything? I¡¯m not interested in the past, we¡¯re talking about now. Farlain has overtaken Yarsan as the city of sin. It¡¯s built on what Yarsan had and now way overshadows it. Way overshadows it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an upstart, won¡¯t last. Trust me. You are only looking surface deep, dig a little and you¡¯ll find all sorts of treasures beneath Yarsan¡¯s cities. You know there are five prostitutes for every citizen in-¡±


    ¡°Oh enough with the five prostitutes for every citizen thing, I¡¯ve heard it often enough now. I get it Yarsan has many whores lying about. That¡¯s basic stuff. In Farlain it isn¡¯t just prostitutes you can get, in the lower city one can find anything a man could ever possible desire. One of my friends on the walls told me about this one place. You could get half bloods there, Vampirir like. You ever seen one of them in person? I¡¯m telling you ya haven¡¯t seen sexy until you¡¯ve seen one of these ladies.¡±


    Sandorn looked over to where Averan stood on the opposite corner. He was going to motion for an attack but Averan had his brows furrowed and was clearly invested in the guard¡¯s conversation.


    Sandorn gestured a little more frantically without success until finally, Alisha came up behind to tap Averan on the shoulder.


    Averan glanced over.


    ¡°What?¡± he mouthed.


    Sandorn raised his hands in frustration.


    ¡°What?¡± he mouthed back. ¡°What do you mean what? We have to attack.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    ¡°Wait?¡±


    ¡°I want to hear more about this depravity.¡±


    Sandorn closed his eyes and tried to calm himself. It took another moment of glaring before Averan finally turned to him and nodded.


    ¡°Fine, let¡¯s attack then,¡± He mouthed.


    ¡°On three,¡± Sandorn mouthed back.


    It was simple. Sandorn came around the corner first, the Guards were some distance away but stationery, too enveloped in their conversation to care about anything else. They had barely managed to raise their spears and utter a word in protest before the knives struck them.


    Sandorn was pleased to see his target fall to the ground with both throwing knives embedded in his stomach. Averan struck true with his first knife, the blade lodging itself in the man¡¯s neck. The second missed entirely however.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°Shit,¡± Averan said examining the knife which had slammed into the open wooden door behind. I can never get the second one right. Good thing I¡¯m accurate with the first.¡±


    ¡°Why did you take so long? Was the guards'' conversation truly so riveting?¡±


    Sandorn whispered keeping watch on the stairs as behind him their soldiers started to stream out.


    ¡°Ah yes actually it was,¡± Averan stood up, ¡°don¡¯t pretend like you didn¡¯t want to hear more about the depravity, it was just starting to get good too.¡±


    Sandorn looked around as if in confusion, ¡°You do realise where we are yes? Brother, please forget about any half-breed Vampirir tits until we¡¯re finished at least.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Averan stated, smiling back at Alisha as she and her Father came forward.


    Sandorn raised a brow, Alisha was more than enough to distract his Brother. He just hoped he¡¯d stay focused long enough to ensure the Palace was safely in their hands.


    ¡°Most of the men are above ground. It is time.¡± Dranar stated.


    Sandorn nodded, ¡°Remember, now it is about speed, we get to the Gate and make sure it''s shut. Whatever happens, we hold it. Fenadorn and the others will overwhelm the Guards, we do our part and they¡¯ll do theirs.¡±


    ¡°Lead on Brother.¡±


    Averan stepped aside to allow Sandorn ahead.


    Sandorn sighed at the mock bow from his Brother and took a final look, the entire corridor was almost taken up by his men. The sight kindled the fire inside him.


    Smiling he drew his sword and charged up the stairs, the others close behind.


    They must have made for a terrifying sight for those first few soldiers who came across them. In the Palace proper there were a great many patrols, the first few however were left completely overawed by what was coming against them. Sandorn cut down four men before a weapon was even raised against him. Dranar¡¯s directions had been clear and the palace exactly laid out as he had described it. Sandorn did not need to ask for aid as he headed toward the Gate. There they were met with the first rows of truly prepared soldiers.


    Sandorn didn¡¯t stop. Now their only task would be to get and keep the Gates closed long enough to stop any help arriving from the many Manors of the Forty. Sandorn knew it wouldn¡¯t take long. A full-grown chimera could reach speeds twice if not three times as fast as that of a horse. They had to close the gates, and fast.


    He transformed while running, emerging into his chimera form in time to meet the first brave group of defenders. Those he took out with his horns, tossing his head side to side for maximum effect.


    He kept his gaze on the battlements searching for any Chimeras already waiting and was relieved to see only guards atop the Gates.


    Dranar had warned them that the palace would have at least some Chimereans within its walls. Those tasked with keeping and maintaining the palace¡¯s order and infrastructure.  Knowing that for those attacking their only hope was to get the Gates closed, and for the defenders to keep it open Sandorn knew the palace Chimeras would focus only on protecting the windlass, the means of opening the gate. They couldn¡¯t be allowed to gain a foothold on the battlements, it would make their job of delaying far easier if they did.


    He ignored the men on the ground, skipping easily away from spears and swords, they held no threat to him. Instead, he headed directly for the stairs leading up to the battlements.  Dranar, Alaina, and the two boys, Droned and Grundar followed. Averan and Alisha hung back. Averan had been loathe to hang back when Sandorn had informed him of the plan, but when Alisha had offered to stay back with him the idea suddenly seemed to make sense.


    Sandorn was quickest, he was up and in amongst the Gatehouse guards within moments. Using his tail he easily swept aside those covering and immediately pounded on the windlasses, slamming both the Gates and the portcullis shut. When he looked back out he saw the Chimeras of the palace bounding over toward him. There were eight of them in total. They charged with reckless abandon, clearly unprepared for such a sudden attack. Sandorn knew as much as anyone how difficult it was to hold back when in Chimera form. Seeing only five beasts to their eight the defenders rushed on. Sandorn was happy to see no sign of Averan or Alisha yet.


    As agreed the Dronian brothers were left to guard the Gate proper, Sandorn took one side of the Gatehouse and Dranar the other. Alaina was given the liberty to choose which side she deemed most at risk.


    Sandorn readied himself as two Chimeras came to his side. He moved deftly to avoid their tails while lashing out with his own. The larger of the two tried to force his way up past him but Sandorn was ready. Distracting the one below with his tail he caught the other¡¯s paw and used it to upend him, sending the Beast crashing down the stairs. The other Beast did well to avoid his companion but as he sought to regain his balance Sandorn launched himself, pinning the Chimera under his powerful body before smashing his head and horns into the Beast trapped below him. The Beast died instantly as two horns plunged into its skull. Sandorn was turning to face the other once more but to his right came a blur as Averan joined the Battle. The Chimera had not seen Averan, now as the huge Beast fell atop him he seemed resigned to his fate. He lifted his tail and horns to meet Averan but was brutally overpowered. Averan used his own horns to meet the attacks, easily dominating the smaller beast and flinging him backwards. Averan didn¡¯t stop but began viciously tearing at his fallen foe. The onslaught continued for a moment before Averan heaved the body onto his broad shoulders before flinging it over the Wall down onto the street below. Another obstacle for the New Order to try and bypass, Sandorn thought as he joined Averan in climbing back up the stairs to where the others still engaged in battle.


    Averan moved to help Alisha and her cousins busy defending the Gatehouse itself from an attack by three Chimeras, he slammed into one hard enough to carry into the next completely disrupting their attack.


    Sandorn left his Brother to his destruction and went to where Dranar was being sorely pressed by three more Chimeras. Alaina was supporting him as best she could but they were under pressure. Dranar had evidently been hurt in the fighting.


    Sandorn feinted as if he was going to charge in before leaping aside to come up behind the three attackers. As the three Chimeras considered who would deal with him Alaina saw her opportunity and pressed forward, Dranar moved in with her. Sandorn used his tail to trip one of the Beasts even as he engaged another.


    Though those Chimeras stationed in the Palace were fighting bravely and with clear purpose Sandorn knew they were not used to such Battles. He and Averan had spent every evening as soon as they could even partially master their Beasts engaged in training and mock fighting.  Their movements were slow compared to Averan, their style ineffective and undefined. Spinning around another attack Sandorn raked his claws across the chimera¡¯s back. Unwisely the chimera gave into its anger, tossing his head, horns, and tail all in Sandorn¡¯s direction. Again Sandorn easily avoided the blows, catching the tail with his own. As the Chimera stumbled past him Sandorn brought his paw down hard into the Beast¡¯s face. Disorientated and his eyesight blooded Sandorn skipped to the side before going low and ripping his horns along the chimera¡¯s side. A torrent of blood splashed over him as he pulled away and he knew he had won. Looking back he was pleased to see Dranar and Aliana both tearing into another of the palace chimeras. The third was already trying to flee, the reality of his situation setting in. It was too late however, Averan and the others had clearly been successful with their defense and now all came out to pounce upon the unlucky final Chimera. He went down in a blur of claws and horns. Sandorn knew he wouldn¡¯t be getting back up.


    The palace was a battleground now, everywhere he looked Sandorn saw his own men pressing the attack, the palace defenders had all gathered by the gates down below them. None even tried to get up to reopen them with so many Chimeras upon the battlements.


    ¡°DRANAR, YOU AND ALAINA STAY. WE¡¯LL FINISH OFF THE REST.¡±


    Sandorn had hardly given the order before Averan had leapt down to where the defenders were most tightly gathered, Alisha went immediately after him followed by the two Brothers.


    Dranar had a number of cuts on his side but with Alaina¡¯s help was able to get himself into the gatehouse and stand before the windlass. Sandorn nodded at them before following the others down below.


    With enemies seemingly having sprung up everywhere and faced with 7 Chimeras both above and below them Sandorn expected the Palace guards to capitulate. But to their credit, they held to the last man. some traditions had remained in their force it seemed.


    It did not take long, however. Trapped between overwhelming numbers and the gates behind them the last of the defenders were easily picked off.


    Sandorn didn¡¯t stop a moment, as soon as victory had been assured racing up to the battlements once more.


    As always Fenadorn was ahead of him. Sandorn heaved a sigh of relief as all along the walls he saw the myriad of ballistae already manned and ready to fire on command. They were ready. The palace was theirs.


    Sandorn transformed back just as Fenadorn went rushing past him.


    ¡°FORM UP. TO THE WALLS. MAN THE BALLISTAE. MAN THE BALLISTAE¡±


    Sandorn shook himself away and looked to where Fenadorn was pointing. Way down the street, he saw a unit of men on horseback pulling up to a stop just out of range. All around them, on the streets and on the buildings lining them were a swarm of Chimeras. Had the gates been open they would have easily been able to force their way inside and it would have been death for all of them. Fortunately, they were too late. With the Gates and portcullis closed and drawn the Palace was virtually unassailable to the outside.


    Sandorn¡¯s ancestors may have made many mistakes leading to their downfall, but the palace was not one of them. It had been his Family¡¯s home since the earliest days of the city, the original citadel and first true defensive structure in Gorias. Over time it had grown to the lavish, elegant royal palace seen today, but beneath its glossy surface, a formidable defense lay in place, none more so than its walls. They were not so high, only half the size of the Inner Ring walls, perhaps 40ft in height. These however were built with rogue Chimeras in mind. At the top of each was fixed a row of sharp steel bars, each one tough enough to withstand any Chimera attack and sharp enough to cut any skin. They stuck out five ft from the wall itself. Even for Sandorn, it would have been nigh on impossible to climb up the wall and generate enough force to somehow swing his body around without cutting himself into pieces. If they had time and no ballistae firing on them as clambered up they might have managed it. But they would not be allowed such respite. So long as the wall was kept well manned then the only option for the New Order was to smash in the Gates. If they tried that they might succeed, but they would bleed badly before they ever stepped foot inside the palace.


    Sandorn watched on as one by one the Chimeras who had no doubt rushed to try and save the palace transformed back to their human forms. It was too far to see any faces, but Sandorn didn¡¯t mind. He could picture them well enough. He hoped they picture his.

 Style

    ¡°You¡¯re big,¡± Alisha said, ¡°even for a chimera.¡±


    Averan bit his tongue, now was not the time for such ribald comments. He was not in one of the bars of the underground now.


    ¡°Ah yes, guess that¡¯s the Aureate blood in me. A direct line back to King Anaval. I¡¯m a bit stronger and bigger than most, Sandorn a bit faster and agile than most.¡±


    Alisha nodded, Averan frowned looking out over the palace to the Inner city beyond and the many Manors of the Forty. He felt awkward, he didn¡¯t quite know what to say. He had made sure that he was there to accompany Alisha as she made rounds of the walls, thinking it was a good chance to get her alone. But now he wasn¡¯t sure if that was such a wise idea after all.


    He coughed lightly, something finally coming to him.


    ¡°Your Manor, House Dronian, you can see it from here?¡±


    Alisha smiled sadly, ¡°Our old one yes. See it there, it¡¯s the one now flying the blue flags with the sea eagle. That of course is not our colors. After our Fathers failed¡­.attempt to seize control and incite a revolt we were removed from our old manor and moved over to a smaller one, one far removed from the palace. Being close meant you were one of the oldest Houses, given a place of prestige within the Inner city. Now we live almost at the Inner Walls, it¡¯s over to the West of here, you can¡¯t see it.¡±


    She laughed a little, more to herself than anything.


    ¡°It¡¯s strange, I never lived in the Manor that was once ours, but I never felt at home in our new one either. I know I shouldn¡¯t be so sorrowful about it, after all, we still have a Manor, still have a House. But sometimes I do wonder what could have been.¡±


    ¡°I understand that feeling,¡± Averan laughed gently, ¡°I often wonder something quite similar, what I would be like, what Sandorn would be like. If Mom and Dad would still be around.¡±


    Alisha stopped and leaned on the parapet. Averan pulled up and came beside her.


    ¡°And? Would you be much different?¡± She asked.


    Averan shrugged, ¡°Probably not,¡± he admitted, ¡°Sandorn is the one burdened down by pressure and stress, always has been. He would be different I imagine.¡±


    ¡°You help him a lot with that, the pressure and stress I mean. He always seeks you out, you are his constant. It is touching to see Brothers so close.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it was hard not to be when there were only two of us. Fenadorn tried but he was never supposed to be so involved in our life.¡± Averan frowned, ¡°He deserves most of the credit. Without him, we¡¯d both be dead a million times over. At least.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve always planned this, you and your Brother? This was always your goal?¡±


    ¡°It was, it is. Our whole life has been shaped by our Family¡¯s past, we stopped trying to run from it a long time ago, instead, we decided to meet it head-on.¡±


    ¡°And once it¡¯s done? What then?¡±


    Averan raised a brow, ¡°You ask an awful lot of deep questions don¡¯t you? You ever try keeping it simple?¡±


    She turned to look at him, ¡°Simple is good?¡±


    Averan shrugged, ¡°Mostly.¡±


    Alisha laughed but said nothing. Averan pretended to be looking out over the city as he tried to think of something to say.


    ¡°What about you?¡± He said after some time. ¡°You seem pretty hellbent on putting your Family back to where it once was. What about after? What then?¡±


    ¡°I believe I asked you first.¡±


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Averan raised his hands in defense, ¡°Okay, that is true, you did ask first. But honestly, I am not sure. Sandorn will be a good King, but everything we¡¯ve done, the enemies we¡¯ve made, the changes we will bring about. He¡¯ll need protecting, I intend to be the one who ensures he gets it. Once things settle down perhaps I¡¯ll move on to something else.¡±


    ¡°Something else? A bit vague for your future is it not?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the future always vague?¡±


    Alisha nodded her head as if impressed, ¡°Now who is being deep.¡±


    Averan laughed deeply, ¡°I went off your cue.¡±


    ¡°I would like to travel.¡± Alisha continued, ¡°To see the outer cities, see how they live, govern, rule. Maybe travel even further than that. The other human Kingdoms have grown considerably it¡¯s said, perhaps things may be simpler beyond the seas.¡±


    ¡°I might join you, I¡¯ve always thought to travel.¡±


    ¡°You might join me?¡± Alisha turned to look at him, ¡°I didn¡¯t realise I had offered.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t,¡± Averan smiled, ¡°I invited myself. Why?¡± He turned to look at her. ¡°Would you refuse your Prince?¡±


    Alisha scoffed, ¡°I would. I believe I could do without the fanfare of having a Royal Aureate alongside me.¡±


    ¡°What about just Averan then? No Prince.¡±


    She smiled and shrugged, ¡°That I might consider.¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯d consider? I guess I should feel honored,¡± he bowed low.


    ¡°You should,¡± she affirmed. ¡°Though some company might be nice it¡¯s true.¡±


    They both laughed then, Averan forgot about his nerves in that moment.


    She really is beautiful. I¡¯ll need to be careful around her, Sandorn is probably right. Still¡­.


    ¡°We should probably get back, we still have much to plan, Sandorn will be wondering where I¡¯ve snuck off to.¡±


    Alisha sighed but nodded, ¡°True, and my Father will likely be wondering the same about me.¡±


    Neither of them moved.


    ¡°How is he by the way?¡±


    ¡°Oh he¡¯s fine,¡± Alisha assured him with a wave of her hand, ¡°he was cut a few times by one of the palace chimeras'' tails but every wound has almost cleared already, you know how fast we can heal ourselves.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡±


    ¡°And you?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± Averan pointed a finger at himself as if confused and shook his head, ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry about me, I got hit a few times, I always do. But never enough to do any serious damage. My Chimerean blood is pure, most wounds heal in minutes. Don¡¯t worry about me,¡± He added at the end.


    Alisha looked at him with a slight smile, ¡°Don¡¯t what? I¡¯m not worrying about you, I¡¯m worrying about all the rest of it, if you get hurt then we lose one of our strongest Chimeras.¡±


    ¡°Ah, so it is a practical concern then.¡±


    ¡°And what else could it be?¡±


    Averan shrugged as he finally managed to haul himself up again, it really was time for them to head back.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, the mind does wander however.¡±


    Alisha slowly stepped back up beside him, she too gave the impression that she¡¯d rather stay.


    ¡°Your¡¯s does perhaps, I know where mine is.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good, perhaps one day you¡¯ll let me know just where.¡±


    Alisha tilted her head, ¡°Yes, one day. One day I¡¯m sure I will.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait.¡± Averan gave a slight bow as if guiding Alisha back along the walls.


    Averan paused a moment to let her pass, Alisha had changed into a summer dress for the evening. It was a favored style within the Inner city according to her, right now Averan found it a very favorable style indeed. He took another second to admire such style before straightening himself and falling back in alongside her.


    The torches were being lit all along the wall now as light made its slow descent into dark. They seemed to be lighting their way back to the others.


    They didn¡¯t say much as they returned. But Averan didn¡¯t feel the need to anymore, it was enough to walk. He savored the moment, he had not had one like it in a long time. He hoped there would be time for many more in the future. But it would have to wait, as it always did. There was still a crown to win.

 A Forgotten Truth

    Sandorn was alone, well almost alone. Grolo went on ahead of him, delirious as he always was to be given permission to explore the tunnels which he and his order had been sworn to protect.


    Things had moved so fast the past weeks that Sandorn felt it was his first time being alone in forever, he savored the moment. He knew Fenadorn would not be happy, or Dranar too for that matter. Both had insisted on accompanying him through the tunnels and both he had refused. Not unlike Grolo he too took pleasure in the tunnels and their design. Besides he would meet Dranar and the others at the entrance, he could manage getting there just fine on his own. Fenadorn he¡¯d ordered to stay at the palace, Averan remained too but Sandorn wasn¡¯t sure just how focused his Brother was with Alisha around. The two had spent the last two days since they¡¯d captured the palace getting to know one another in detail. Averan claimed they spoke on the workings of the New Order but Sandorn knew well enough what he talked about with her. He was not willing to disrupt his Brother¡¯s budding relationship however, Averan was his own man, Sandorn might be King but his Brother would never need bow to him. Leaving things in Fenadorn¡¯s capable hands was probably the better option in any case, Averan was always a better attacker than a defender.


    Taking the long route to the entrance gave him time to think.


    Sandorn had been up the last night reading. One of the most prized processions he had received from his Mother on her passing was the books detailing Aureate¡¯s Family history, and what was Aureate¡¯s history was also Gorias¡¯. He found himself drawn to it lately more than ever.


    The early Aureates had seemingly planned for everything and Sandorn felt as if he was walking in his ancestor¡¯s footsteps down here. The paths had been built to save the family in a last desperate escape from whatever force was besieging the city. Knowing Gorias¡¯ history that had probably been the Vampiri, or perhaps even the Dragonkin. They never would have expected they would have needed to use it against their own, Sandorn supposed. Though when the tunnels were built he suspected that the other Houses were still in the earliest days of their development. Probably still first and second cousins to the Royal House itself. Things had certainly changed, now all that seemed to unite the Forty was their powers and a long-forgotten historical family tree.


    Sandorn hadn¡¯t forgotten it however, he would remind and solidify the bonds between his House and the others, just as it had been in the beginning.


    The first King, Anaval had also been the first Chimera. His beast so pure that he was said to have been three times as large as the normal Beasts of today. What powers the Chimereans now had paled in comparison to his reported powers, he was taller, stronger, faster and lived longer, dying only upon reaching the age of 150. Having lived such a life he left behind a legacy still seen in all of Gorias life today. 12 sons and 8 daughters, 25 grandsons and 23 grandaughters. By the time of his death there were already the beginnings of 10 other Royal Houses. That would multiply quickly until it settled on the Forty, but each one proudly traced themselves back to Anaval Aureate. No longer.


    ¡°SANDORN. SANDO-ahhhhh that is King SANDORN.¡±


    Sandorn stopped in his tracks at the roars from Grolo.


    ¡°Yes Guardian? I am here, what is it?¡±


    ¡°I found another one.¡±


    Sandorn smiled and hurried ahead. Grolo led him hurriedly down an offshoot of the main passage. At its end he found Grolo staring up in amazement at the foot of a statue.


    Sandorn came up behind Grolo and patted him on the shoulder.


    ¡°How many is that now Grolo?¡±


    ¡°Six Sandorn, that¡¯s six that we¡¯ve f-¡±


    Grolo slapped himself on the head, ¡°King Sandorn, King Sandorn, King, King, King.¡±


    Sandorn grabbed Grolo by the wrist to stop him hitting himself.


    ¡°Grolo, Guardian. What did I tell you. Alone you can call me Sandorn, or whatever else you want, I don¡¯t mind. There are no formalities down here. None. Got it?¡±


    Grolo nodded happily, ¡°Yes. King.¡±


    Sandorn shook his head but smiled as he bent down to examine the statue¡¯s inscription. It was the same as it had been for the last six.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Power through sacrifice,


    What given is received.


    All that we possess,


    granted only by thee.


    A verse, or prayer perhaps? Sandorn found himself just as confused as he had been with the last six. The statue depicted the same individual, or deity as Grolo claimed. He didn¡¯t know why or from where he knew that it was an image of a God but he repeated his belief many times over.


    The statue was as beautiful as it was terrifying. Sandorn had almost tripped over himself when he had came across the first of the statues. He could have sworn that the figure was charging towards him and had hastily brought up his own sword in defence. It was with some relief then that he came to his senses and saw the unmoving statue for what it was. But the embarrassment had remained.


    It was always the same figure, he now knew, but always in a different pose. Whoever or whatever it was it evidently held an important place in the hearts of the early Aureates. Some early God perhaps? A forgotten patron of the City? Sandorn never remembered reading anything or seeing anything about a figure such as this. Though the palace was as old as Gorias itself, some 800 years had passed since its construction. It may have been a God only worshipped by the Family. One kept secret from the rest of the city¡¯s inhabitants. Still Sandorn wondered then why he had never heard of it, or why his Mother had never mentioned it to them.


    The sculpture was immense in its detail, far beyond any of the more contemporary pieces Sandorn had seen. Every inch of the black stone artfully hewn into an ultra-realistic representation.


    The God was covered in a long flowing cloak that covered most of his body. Only his face was always left revealed, though this particular piece, as with one more of the six Sandorn had seen, also displayed one of the figure¡¯s feet.


    On both of the statues where the foot was shown, it was clearly that of a hoofed creature, that in itself was strange, no Gods Sandorn had ever seen were ever depicted with such features. It was its face however where the most detail could be seen and appreciated.


    Its eyes were what caught Sandorn¡¯s attention first. One was huge, golden, and seemed to stare wide-eyed at him no matter where he looked upon it. The other was closed but both eyes had tears falling from them. Sandorn would have thought them plain tears but as he brought the torch closer he saw a red hue trailing the tear. The figure, for reason unknown, was bleeding blood.


    The top half of the face seemed human, even with the strange eyes. Its lower half undoubtedly was not. The mouth appeared far too big for the face and was locked in an eternal smile. The smile was twisted, however, evoking a feeling of dread in Sandorn as he peered into it. Its teeth were long, sharp and each one was jagged and broken, like rocks at the bottom of a cliff. Whatever it represented Sandorn knew innately from its aura and the feeling it left in him that this was no God of morality. Whoever had worshipped it, if indeed that is what they did, had been worshipping a God of Darkness. Knowing that it was only his Family who knew of the tunnels, and their construction left him with an eerie sensation. His family had made these statues, six of them. Part of him wanted to know the truth, for what reason could they have revered such a being? But perhaps some things were better left in the past. If his Mother had not passed it onto him, then maybe it was not meant to be passed on. After all, the tunnels had never been used. What then did he fear? He didn¡¯t know. But nor did he want to.


    Tearing his eyes away from the statue he started back up the passage. He steadied his breath as he walked, steeling himself not to run, a sense of being watched followed him as he left. But he did not look back.


    Grolo was waiting for him back on the main path, Grolo himself only gave a passing look to the statues as they came upon them, he too seemed to grow uneasy at the sight. Sandorn was glad to be back beside him again. The sixth statue had unnerved him even more than the others, he hoped they did not come across any more of them, though somehow he knew they wouldn¡¯t. Six was the number they would find. Six statues, six depictions. Six places of worship.


    Sandorn shook himself and breathed new life into his torch.


    ¡°Come Grolo, I imagine it is time we were meeting the others, Dranar already seems on edge having me roaming about on my own down here, it is best not to keep him waiting. Lead on Guardian, lead on.¡±


    Sandorn felt a final chill washing over him as he moved away from the statue¡¯s passage. Against his better judgment, he glanced down one final time as Grolo went ahead. It was just a glance, a split second. But Sandorn saw the eye, the single eye staring at him. It moved as he moved. Watching.


    A warm trickle fell on Sandorn¡¯s hand, looking down he saw blood seeping out of him, spilling down his hand. He had not realised it, his grip so tight as to draw blood.


    He released it slightly and realised he had been holding his breath. Breathing in once more he sighed and laughed gently to himself. He had been too long underground, a day spent exploring and pondering on things better left unpondered. His mind was telling him to focus on the things that mattered. Moving statues, evil Gods, Sandorn shook his head once more.


    That is not my story.


    Sandorn focused only on Grolo and the torch, he needed his mind clear. He moved forward, only forward.

 A Lasting Mark

    Sandorn was relieved to finally get up and out of the tunnels. Dranar had looked at him slightly confused when he¡¯d eventually met up with them at the agreed entrance, the look on Sandorn¡¯s face no doubt troubling him. Sandorn however had smiled away any queries and waved him off, asking him instead about Dranar¡¯s own wounds.


    Frowning Dranar thankfully hadn¡¯t pressed him. He too waved off any concerns. Though he was getting older his Beast still healed his wounds the same as any other Chimerean he assured Sandorn, only now it just took a bit longer.


    They waited then, it was a small group. Joining him and Dranar were two of Dranar¡¯s own personal guard and three of Sandorn¡¯s. He¡¯d chosen Grend, Sarvth, and Lear, with them he didn¡¯t feel the need for numbers.


    This time Sandorn didn¡¯t head up first. They waited instead for the signal from above giving them the all clear before they headed up. They moved quickly once they received it. Lady Liniseh had offered to arrange a meeting place for them, one close to one of the entrances. She¡¯d secured the old warehouse that sat on an entrance close to her manor. Waiting for them as they climbed up were the Lady herself along with four of her household guards. She was well disguised and only after she had removed her hood covering her face could Sandorn see who awaited him. She looked radiant, even in the low torchlight. The effect giving her an almost ethereal glow.


    ¡°You¡¯ll forgive our other co-conspirators King Sandorn, things being the way they are we must move cautiously now more than ever. Of the members of the last Council, it was easiest for me to arrange a safe meeting point from your tunnels. I gladly agreed and whatever words pass between us will be passed onto those who need to hear it.¡±


    ¡°Wise actions Lady Liniseh, and I thank you for arranging such a meeting. I and my Brother appreciate it more than you know. I hope you will also forgive me for my bluntness but we do not have time for idle formalities. We must only discuss the matters at hand.¡±


    Lady Liniseh smiled, ¡°I would not have it any other way, my King. As you can imagine those of the New Order are feeling rather aggrieved by the loss of the palace. One House blames the next. There seems to be a belief that they were betrayed by someone from within the Palace guard itself. As each one of those guards foregoes any family name on admittance it is hard then to pinpoint who exactly could have performed such treachery.


    However, this will not go the same as when you took the Barracks. The Palace is a symbol far above that of a mere Council chamber. They will not suffer your presence there. They plan an attack.¡±


    Sandorn nodded, he had hoped as much, though risky this would be their opportunity, while the New Order focused on retaking their palace those Houses loyal to the Kings would sabotage from within, when the order was given to attack Sandorn would lead out his own force from the palace. Trapped any of the New Order foolish enough to try fighting would be shown no mercy.


    ¡°When?¡± Dranar asked.


    ¡°On dawn three days from now.¡± Liniseh replied, ¡°The palace is to be surrounded. Should the gates remain closed to them then they will be forced open, any who resist will be slaughtered. Any who surrender will likely be slaughtered regardless in fact.¡±


    Sandorn nodded and put a hand to his chin, ¡°Three days, I would have thought sooner. Is there something we are missing?¡±


    ¡°I think not,¡± The lady replied, ¡°Once they have taken the palace they plan to launch an immediate attack on any Barracks in the Outer city still holding out. In one brutal day, they aim to return Gorias to law and order. The three days are to make sure they¡¯ve organised some other system of guards to put in place once they¡¯ve gotten rid of the traitors.¡±


    ¡°And the 23?¡± Dranar asked, ¡°You are sure they are all still willing to fight for our cause.¡±


    ¡°More than ever,¡± Liniseh stated firmly, ¡°the New Order seeks to gain even more power after this is all through. Many Houses that do not see a future similar to theirs will be destroyed, one way or another. If a House is not willing to submit they have no other option but to join with us.¡±


    ¡°So it is not because of any loyalty to the King then?¡± Sandorn raised a brow.


    Liniseh laughed, ¡°No, but it was never about such a thing as loyalty. For it loyalty comes at a price. Always. They respected the Kings, their power, and their legacy, but they knew too that the rule of the Kings was the reason for Gorias¡¯ prosperity. Had it remained so too would they.¡±


    Sandorn couldn¡¯t help feeling a little stung by her words, he knew they were true for most, though he hoped some still held the same kind of reverence for his Family as someone like Grolo evidently did.


    ¡°Have they said how they will attack?¡± Dranar questioned.


    Liniseh nodded, ¡°Yes, they¡¯ve ordered all of the Houses to be present, a show of both force and unity or so they claim. They¡¯ll use their own weaponry to launch an assault from distance before setting a team of the strongest Chimeras to break down the Gate. All in all, there will be over a hundred adult chimeras involved in the attack. More at one time than has been seen in a generation. It would be impressive, were it to go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Fortunately it will not,¡± Sandorn interjected. ¡°I trust everyone on our side is prepared and ready. They all know their mark.¡±


    ¡°They do,¡± Liniseh assured him, ¡°All Chimereans are to meet at the center fountain. They''re the champions of the New Order will no doubt make their final speech before the attack. Before they have finished the main of our Chimereans will transform. As realisation sets we¡¯ll inform the New Order that they are surrounded, the fountain is ironically a perfect location from which to spring a trap. There are many spots suitable for Ballistae to be placed as a safeguard should any of the New Order feel like transforming themselves. Once we have made our move you make yours. The fountain is not far from the palace, in your Chimera form you, your Brother, Dranar, and his family will be there in mere minutes, we¡¯ll have men along the streets ready to pass on the signal. Then I leave it up to you what happens next.¡±


    Sandorn nodded, he was impressed by Liniseh¡¯s words. She is one familiar with plotting and schemes.


    ¡°Then we have our plans.¡± Dranar clapped his hand, ¡°And fine ones they are too. Tell me Liniseh, the others, they show no signs of trepidation, we can trust that everything will go as planned.¡±


    ¡°You can,¡± she said, Sandorn saw no lie on her face. ¡°Though King Sandorn and his Brother may have finally inspired us to act this is no spontaneous movement. This is the product of years of planning. Indeed you yourself would have been involved far sooner Dranar had you not been so watched after your last attempt. The others are as committed as I am. Gorias needs change. Together we will bring it about.¡±


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.Sandorn gave a slight bow, King he might be but he respected wisdom, Lady Liniseh seemed to have a great deal of it.


    ¡°Then it is time we were heading back, it is not safe for any of us here. We must leave matters in your capable hands Liniseh and handle our own back at the Palace. Again let me express my gratitude, to you and all of the Houses who risk so much for this. Soon we will have realised my Father''s dream.¡±


    Sandorn made sure to acknowledge Dranar as he spoke, his father¡¯s oldest friend smiled sadly but bowed deeply at Sandorn¡¯s words. Lady Liniseh gave an elegant curtsy.


    With that they began to head back out, Sandorn was about to head down when Lady Liniseh called out to him.


    ¡°My King. May I have a word. In private?¡±


    Dranar glanced at Liniseh, evidently surprised by her request. Sandorn himself was a little confused by it but tapped Dranar to let him know it was ok and turned back. Dranar looked like he was going to say something but thought better of it, instead he just nodded at Sandorn and headed down.


    ¡°Ah yes, Lady Liniseh? Is anything the matter?¡±


    Lady Liniseh smiled but said nothing, looking over Sandorn¡¯s shoulder to make sure the others had gone back down. She waved her guards away and they took several steps back, though noticeably their eyes never left Sandorn¡¯s. They don¡¯t seem to trust their King all that much.


    ¡°My King, I wondered if perhaps I might ask you a personal question?¡±


    ¡°You might, though we must not delay long.¡±


    Liniseh nodded, ¡°Of course not, I will be brief. You see if all should go as planned you will be the true and official King of Gorias within three days. As King much will be expected of you. One such thing will be to have a wife, a Queen Aureate. If Gorias is to have a King it should have a Queen.¡±


    Sandorn had expected many things but not this, he kept his face stony however, and began to scratch his jaw.


    ¡°I see. Well Lady Liniseh I admit I have not given it thought. But I admire your tenacity and preparation. Though I have many things on my mind I¡¯ll admit without hesitancy that you are indeed a beautiful woman. I would be lying if I said I did not find you most alluring.¡±


    ¡°You¡­.I¡­¡±


    Sandorn was pleased to finally break the severe expression on Liniseh¡¯s face.


    She took a moment to compose herself before she shook her head, ¡°You know that is not what I meant King Sandorn.¡±


    She eyed him, not unpleasantly.


    ¡°Though I am glad to hear you say such things we both know it was not I that was being referred to. I am far too old in any case.¡±


    ¡°Thirty-odd years is not so old.¡±


    ¡°I am forty-two, and you know as much.¡± Liniseh fixed him with an unimpressed stare, though Sandorn saw something else behind it.


    Sandorn shrugged, ¡°I care little about age, it is a problem for you?¡±


    ¡°A problem? You jest with me King Sandorn. For me, it is no problem, but that hardly comes into it.¡±


    ¡°It does for me,¡± Sandorn stated, he smiled slightly and took a step forward.


    ¡°Liniseh scoffed but took no step back.


    ¡°A queen would need to produce an heir, King Sandorn. I¡¯m afraid there is not much time left for me on that front.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t need much time.¡±


    Liniseh raised a brow, ¡°Is that so?¡±


    Sandorn held her gaze for a moment. He appreciated what the Lady was doing, already planning for the future, he wondered who she would have proposed, one of her daughters perhaps, a relative definitely, someone who she could use to leverage further power within the city. He understood her aim and respected it, but he would not make it easy for her, no one manipulated him. Besides, he doubted anyone she proposed would measure up well to her. She truly is the essence of Chimerean beauty, he perceived, and what¡¯s more, is that she knows it.


    They stood looking into the others¡¯ eyes for what seemed an age, finally, Liniseh shook her head.


    ¡°You are full of surprises King Sandorn, I will give you that.¡±


    ¡°Is that all you will give me?¡±


    Liniseh tilted her head, frowning slightly but with a faint smile on her lips.


    Sandorn held her gaze, he knew he had pushed but had felt compelled to.


    He needed to be careful he knew, women like Lady Liniseh were not easy to read, indeed by this very conversation alone she had made him break character.


    ¡°A bold question.¡±


    Sandorn took her hand in his, she offered hers freely ¡°Bold yes. But one I would like you to think on. As I will think on what you said about a Queen. But for now, I must be back to the palace. There is much to plan.¡±


    ¡°Much indeed,¡± Liniseh agreed. ¡°Very well, King Sandorn, we shall both think.¡±


    With that Liniseh leaned in slightly to kiss Sandorn gently on the cheek.


    He smiled, gave a final short bow, and with that headed back down into the passages.


    As he looked back one last time his eyes met Liniseh as she watched him leave.


    Her eyes narrowed though she gave no indication that she saw him looking. She appeared completely lost in thought. Sandorn hoped that a good thing.


    Back down he found Grend, Sarvth, and Lear eagerly awaiting him. Dranar stood to the side with his three men. They all looked up as he joined them.


    ¡°Everything in order my King?¡±


    ¡°Everything is in order Lord Dranar, let¡¯s head back.


    Dranar smiled slightly as he looked at Sandorn.


    ¡°A productive chat? Lady Liniseh is a fine speaker.¡±


    ¡°Very fine.¡±


    Dranar smiled but raised his hands as if in surrender.


    ¡°Be careful King, that is all I will say. Be careful. A lady as beautiful as her does not come without trouble.¡±


    ¡°I always am,¡± Sandorn responded smiling as he headed off down the passage.


    Lear, Sarvth, and Grend hurried to keep up with him.


    ¡°It was a personal matter then was it?¡± Grend raised a brow.


    Sandorn smiled, ¡°Yes personal, as in between me and Lady Liniseh.¡±


    ¡°How personal?¡± Lear asked.


    ¡°Personal enough,¡± Sandorn replied.


    ¡°Ah King Sandorn,¡± Sarvth called, ¡°I believe you may have something on your cheek, something personal perhaps.¡±


    Sandorn marched on ahead ignoring the jibes from behind. Shaking his head he laughed as he refused any request to elaborate.


    He touched his cheek and found that Lady Liniseh had indeed left her mark on him. He wondered if he had left his on her.

 Control

    Averan wiped a large paw across his back, blood came freely when he looked back on it. The sight of it filled him with fury and he had to focus intently to keep his Chimera from lashing out. Opposite him Alisha readied herself once more. Averan had happily agreed to train with her, he¡¯d done it often enough with Sandorn to know how and what best to do for effective training.


    He had taken it easy so far and clearly paid the price for it. That was the second time now that she¡¯d caught him, first with a claw this time with a horn. She was more like Sandorn in her fighting style, relying on speed and agility than force.


    She smiled at him, but Averan didn¡¯t smile back. She was clearly enjoying the training, a little too much. Averan decided he needed to show just a little of what he was truly capable of. As he too readied himself he subconsciously reminded himself to still hold back a little. Part of him didn¡¯t want to though, a worryingly large part. He fought against it.


    Alisha charged, this time Averan didn¡¯t wait but came forward with her.


    She tried to distract him with her tail but Averan didn¡¯t even flinch this time around, catching her tail in his own and pushing it forcefully to the side. She stumbled just a step surprised at its power, Averan took advantage, first using his horns to occupy her defence before unleashing two strikes with his paw. She half-blocked one, just managing to keep it off her face. The second she didn¡¯t even see.


    Averan¡¯s paw slammed into her knocking her sideways with surprising ease. He hadn¡¯t meant to put so much force in it. As she fell Averan continued his charge and would have gored her right then and there. He halted at the last moment however, pulling back he dug his claws into the ground. His claws went deep as he fought to keep himself from pressing the attack. Alisha was still dazed as she turned to face him.


    Averan felt pangs of pain flow through him as he struggled to keep control but finally, his breath calmed and his mind soon followed.


    Averan felt a wave of relief wash over him as he transformed back. He was done training. He wasn¡¯t sure it was a good idea doing so without Sandorn.


    The struggle to maintain control was something he¡¯d always faced, mostly with relative ease. Once in Battle, however, it was the Beast more often than not who dictated. Averan knew he needed to rectify that, for himself, and more importantly for those around him.


    Alisha transformed back on seeing Averan. She took a knee but looked up to him smiling.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll admit that I hadn¡¯t expected that. You hit hard. Very hard. But I guess that¡¯s what I need if I want to improve right?¡±


    Averan smiled, trying not to show his apprehension, ¡°Yeah sorry about that last strike. I push a bit too hard at times. Sandorn is always warning me about it.¡±


    ¡°Oh no,¡± Alisha waved away his worries, ¡°I understand what it¡¯s like, I know you were just trying to help me get better. I enjoyed it. Well¡­..most of it, that last part was a bit rough for me.¡± She laughed as she slowly got to her feet.


    ¡°I would not like to be the one facing you when you are in true fight mode. That, that would be scary.¡±


    ¡°You okay? I didn¡¯t mean to connect quite so hard.¡±


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m fine honestly. The chimerean blood clears up any knocks quite fast, pretty useful for training I guess. It is a pity that we have lost that part of our culture, now we so rarely use our Beasts to their full potential.¡±


    There¡¯s a reason for that, Averan thought silently, he¡¯d never been much into reading, but when Sandorn pointed out a book on mastering the Chimera he¡¯d found himself engrossed by it. There was a whole chapter dedicated to those who had lost control and given in to the Beast completely. Once they did that there was no going back. They were basically wild beasts, unable to continue living amongst people. Most were killed, those few who somehow survived were released outside the city to roam high up in the Argrian mountains native to the Chimera. Averan did not fancy becoming one of them.


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    ¡°I guess without war there is little need for us to utilise their full potential. Sad as it may be.¡±


    ¡°I guess, but watching you and your Brother fighting really made me realise just how much of a difference it makes. Sure everyone still transforms, but not ever for fighting. It is kind of refreshing in a way. The power it gives you.¡±


    ¡°Refreshing? That is one way of putting it.¡±


    Alisha laughed, ¡°Well, we¡¯ll have to train again soon. And thank you Averan, for the training I mean. I enjoyed it. Though I can see by your face you did not.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, it¡¯s not that.¡± Averan lied, ¡°I¡¯m just thinking about something Sandorn said that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Is everything alright?¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Averan shook his head and straightened himself. ¡°Here let me help you up.¡±


    Averan offered his hand to Alisha and she took it. He hauled her up and put an arm around her waist.


    She really does have an amazing body¡­. Ahhhh Dammit how am I thinking about that now when I¡¯ve almost tried to kill her. Shit. SHit.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Alisha placed a hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°Oh me yeah, yeah I¡¯m fine. Just, just a little distracted today that¡¯s all. Come on, I¡¯ll see you back to your chambers.¡±


    ¡°To my¡­.ah yes to my chambers. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Averan guided her through the palace. Dranar had departed now long ago to his meeting with Sandorn and Liniseh, Sandorn himself had spent almost the entire day roaming the underground passages with Grolo. Averan wasn¡¯t sure how wise that was, but his Brother seemed to take a lot of enjoyment out of it. He supposed they¡¯d be awhile yet, which meant he could spend another hour at least with Alisha.


    The palace, changed as it was into a glorified Council chamber had plenty of room for all of them. Dranar, Alisha¡¯s aunt and cousins had taken up quarters in the Western Wing, and Sandorn and Averan had taken up the Eastern, the oldest part of the Palace and the first home of the Aureates in Gorias. Alisha had chosen for herself smaller chambers neighboring the Western Wing, because of this they were left quite alone once in her rooms.


    Averan helped her over to the bed, though by this stage Alisha was already moving far easier. Her breathing had thankfully returned to normal. She settled down onto the bed,


    ¡°Nice rooms these, perhaps I should have picked them.¡±


    ¡°As Prince you did have pretty much first choice. You could have had this bed easy enough.¡±


    Averan shrugged looking up at the ceiling before turning his gaze on Alisha.


    ¡°As Prince, I suppose I could still have them, if I wished I mean.¡±


    ¡°And what would happen to me?¡± Alisha looked at him sideways, a faint smile on her lips.


    ¡°As Prince, I suppose I could order you to remain with the bed. If I wished of course.¡±


    ¡°If I wished you mean. Even a Prince can only do so much.¡±


    Averan sat down beside her.


    ¡°How much?¡±


    Alisha clicked her teeth and shook her head lightly but her eyes never left his.


    Averan placed one hand on Alisha¡¯s knee and the other he moved across her cheek before drawing her in close to him.


    When they kissed Averan forgot everything, he knew it was cliche. A kiss to end all kisses. But it was. He forgot about the Palace, the New Order, fighting, chimeras, the plotting, all of it disappeared in that moment. It was only him, and Alisha.


    Gods, she is lovely.


    Their first kiss was soft, tender. The second similar. The third however was stronger, a kiss that left him wanting more. Averan led Alisha back onto the bed. As his hands moved across her body and her across his he knew. Alisha had him as much as he had her. Only one thought came to him now.


    We will need more than an hour.

 Leave it to me

    Sandorn sighed, ¡°Is he not on the battlements?¡±


    Grend shrugged, ¡°Nope. I¡¯ve looked alright, we all have. We have no idea where he is.¡±


    Sarvth sniggered.


    ¡°Alisha?¡±


    ¡°Yeahhh,¡± Grend admitted laughing. ¡°Averan thinks that he¡¯s slick, it¡¯s pretty obvious where he is. I just hope Lord Dranar doesn¡¯t get wise to it. I doubt he¡¯d enjoy hearing how Averan was-¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t. Which is why I need you three to go find him. Tell him the King desires his presence. That should be enough to rile him out of bed.¡±


    ¡°It should,¡± Lear said, ¡°though then again, that Alisha Dronian, she is rather gorgeous isn¡¯t she. Almost as beautiful as Lady Liniseh.¡±


    ¡°Almost,¡± Sarvth added, ¡°though not quite, right Sandorn?¡±


    Sandorn scrunched up his face, ¡°One could say that. I don¡¯t know if I would, but one could.¡±


    ¡°We saw how she looked at you,¡± Grend said, ¡°I know I wouldn¡¯t be here if I were King.¡±


    ¡°Good thing you aren¡¯t then,¡± Sandorn smiled and put an arm around Grend to guide him towards the door, ¡°and seeing as you aren¡¯t would you kindly go find my Brother and get him out of bed. There¡¯s things to discuss. Sarvth and Lear will surely be glad to accompany you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be more glad to accompany Lady-¡±


    ¡°YES Lear,¡± Sandorn raised a hand, stifling his laughter, ¡°I think you have all made that quite clear. We¡¯ll be sure to discuss this further at a later point. But until then, get the hell out.¡±


    Laughing all three gave him elaborate bows before making their exit. Sandorn sat down heavily in his chair to wait. He didn¡¯t like having to take Averan from his affairs but he had had more than enough time for fun, now was time for business.


    Thankfully they trio did seem to know exactly where Averan was when pushed to, and his Brother did not take too long arriving. He burst in the doors with his usual flair, though Sandorn noticed it the smile plastered on his face was a little wider than usual.


    ¡°Hello Brother, a day well spent in the tunnels I take it? I imagine you have a great deal to tell me about.¡±


    ¡°From what I am hearing you might have even more?¡± Sandorn raised a brow.


    ¡°Aha, well you know how it is Brother.¡± Averan scratched the back of his neck, ¡°One thing led to another and¡­.¡± He pursed his lips before pulling up a chair.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure it did.¡±


    Sandorn regarded him carefully, ¡°You had fun?¡±


    Averan smiled, ¡°Oh yeah. She¡¯s nice Alisha. I like her.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know you do. Just don¡¯t get too close unless you really do plan to pursue things. We have enough history wit her Father already, don¡¯t need to be complicating it anymore.¡±


    ¡°Relax, I said I like her. There¡¯s something about her you know, something unique.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Serene also have something unique?¡±


    ¡°I mean yes, in a way. But not the same no. It¡¯s different.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡±


    ¡°It is, alright. And anyways who are you to be looking at me like that. What¡¯s this I hear about Lady Liniseh?¡±


    ¡°Who was talking about Lady Liniseh?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind that, what happened?¡±


    Sandorn sighed, ¡°Nothing happened, she asked me about what I had in mind for a Queen, no doubt seeking to put someone close to her at my side.¡±


    Averan¡¯s eyes narrowed, ¡°And? What did you say?¡±


    ¡°I said she¡¯d make a fine Queen, said she was very attractive.¡±


    ¡°Did ya?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I did, and I don¡¯t think she minded it either.¡±


    Averan shook his head, smiling, ¡°Ya put it back on her, that was nice. That was very nice. She wouldn''t have expected that. I know I have Alisha now but Lady Liniseh is fairly stunning. Not many wouldn¡¯t want her as Queen, despite the age thing of course.¡±


    ¡°You have Alisha now do you? That didn¡¯t take long.¡±


    ¡°Ah you know what I mean. So you then, what are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°About what? Shut up Brother, you know well what, Lady bloody Liniseh that¡¯s what.¡±


    Sandorn puffed out his cheeks. ¡°I mean, what can I do? Now is not the time Brother.¡±


    Averan laughed and raised his head to the sky, ¡°Brother, it is never the time. Before it was not time, now it is not time, in the future it will not be time. You dont get to pick. Lady Liniseh is not one for waiting. I say go for it.¡±


    Sandorn gritted his teeth, ¡°You reckon?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡± Averan stated it as if it was obvious.


    ¡°Well, as it happens the Lords and Ladies of the New Order have made their decision, they¡¯ll launch a full out and decisive attack three days from now. They won¡¯t just clear out the palace either, they mean to take the barracks too. All in one swoop. We¡¯d have no where to retreat to.¡±


    ¡°Good thing we won¡¯t be retreating then, or allowing them clear out our palace. Let them make their plans, we have the support of the twenty three yes? We have our own plan?¡±


    ¡°We do, the New Order intend to gather all of their forces at the Inner Fountain. When they do that¡¯s when our allies make their move and announce their unwillingness to follow orders. When we get the all clear we head out of the palace and deal with the traitors there and then.¡±


    ¡°Deal with them, kill them you mean?¡± Averan pressed.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s see, we¡¯ll have to execute the ringleaders sure, that¡¯s without question. That means Lord Asral Atlantian, Lord Laer of House Larren, and Lady Mirinda of House Fortan. There can be no question of mercy there.¡± Sandorn bobbed his head side to side, ¡° The rest¡­well let¡¯s gauge the feeling. We don¡¯t want to be too hasty either. We dismantle the big three and their families and that will be the end of the New Order¡¯s interferences.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good to me.¡±


    Averan wrapped his hands around his head and leaned back in his chair, ¡°So, three days huh? You know what that means?¡±


    Sandorn squinted, ¡°Yes, it means we have three days to prepare.¡±


    ¡°Yes. And perhaps preparation might involve a meeting, a late meeting with Lady Liniseh?¡±


    Sandorn smiled shaking his head.


    Averan saw the conflict within his brother, it had been so long since Sandorn had done anything not connected with gaining influence, power or strength that he didn¡¯t seem to know what it meant anymore.


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    Every since he¡¯d lost Miana he¡¯d been like that. Averan knew he still blamed himself though there was nothing he could have done. Nothing. She¡¯d left him, chosen status and prestige instead of love. Sandorn didn¡¯t blame her. He did though. If she would have been upfront then everything would have been smoother, her delaying the inevitable drew the entire out its painful conclusion. Sandorn still didn¡¯t like to talk about it. Even with him.


    ¡°How would I even go about it.¡±


    Averan hid his smile, the question was enough to confirm Sandorn wanted to do it.


    ¡°Let me worry about that. You just get yourself fixed up, you look a mess. Go wash and I¡¯ll sort everything else.¡±


    ¡°And how exactly do you-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll sort everything else,¡± Averan repeated, raising his hands to dissuade any protests.


    He wasn¡¯t sure how, or if the Lady would agree to his plan. But he saw how she¡¯d looked at him the first time they¡¯d met, and he knew just how girls and Ladies looked at Sandorn in general. He might not have noticed it but Averan did. Somehow the mysterious, anguished look always worked better than the drunken, boisterous one. Perhaps I should consider a change? Nahh, I am what I am.


    ¡°You sure about this Averan? This is all going off a conversation, I mean, it¡¯s a bit risky to-¡±


    ¡°Sandorn, go and get washed up. Go on, move, there¡¯s no time for thinking in situations like this. None at all alright. Just act. Now go.¡±


    Sandorn nodded slowly but did make his way out.


    Averan waited until he¡¯d gone before exiting himself. Outside the door he paused, he wasn¡¯t sure what exactly he was going to do. But he knew he had to get the message through. Sandorn was meeting Liniseh, tonight.


    But how?.............Grolo, yes Grolo. The old fool could get a message anywhere in the city it seemed. Averan nodded his head as he moved out.


    Though he had to be made repeat the words half a hundred times he was confident Grolo could somehow get a message to the Lady. If what Sarvth, Grend, and Lear said was half true then that would be all it would take to get her to agree on a meeting. The rest would be up to Sandorn.


    Averan rubbed his hands together, and with Sandorn gone.


    He knew exactly how he would spend his night.


    This is ridiculous. I have become my Brother. We¡¯re all doomed.


    Sandorn had allowed himself to get caught up in Averan¡¯s excitement. After making sure Averan kept things secretive, he had given in quite readily to his Brother sending out Grolo with a message. A message for the Lady Liniseh¡¯s ears only he¡¯d assured him. Still, the potential for disaster seemed absurdly high. For one there was no guarantee Grolo wouldn¡¯t misinterpret the message, or forget it entirely and spend the night roaming around the city instead. Then even if it was delivered who was to say the Lady would even bother meeting him. He might singlehandedly be creating a prospective explosion of awkwardness for the next time they met.


    He sighed, he¡¯d been waiting under the ladder for what seemed an age.


    Light had been fading when he¡¯d first met Liniseh earlier in the night, which meant it was likely an hour or so past midnight by now.


    There was no way she¡¯d agree to it. He smiled to himself, amused by his own excitement. All it took was a simple kiss on the cheek.


    Sandorn could already see the faces of Grend, Sarvth, Lear and Averan himself when he had to face them again. The trio were waiting for him in the adjoining tunnel, Averan was back at the palace, busy with Alisha no doubt.


    Sandorn was about to head back when a faint knocking sound came from above. He stopped, waiting to make sure it was no imagination. It came again. Two knocks, a pause, then three knocks, a pause, then four.


    Sandorn knew it for Grolo¡¯s code. He was about to climb up when a figure tore open the door and leapt down among him. Sandorn had been on edge, instantly he¡¯d drawn a knife and had it pressed to the man before he could get turned.


    ¡°Sandorn¡­.it¡¯s me, the Guardian. Ahhhhh blasted not again. King, King, King Sandorn, it¡¯s me, the Guardian Grolo.¡±


    Sandorn relaxed and lowered the knife. ¡°Yes, I know who you are Grolo. Must you seek to surprise me every time?¡±


    ¡°Must no? Want to? Yes.¡± Grolo chuckled to himself.


    ¡°Now. Time you were heading up, she¡¯s waiting.¡±


    ¡°She is?¡±


    ¡°Well yes of course she is. Oh, and one more thing. I told her it was all your idea to set it up like that. My way of helping you out hehe.¡±


    ¡°Set up like what?¡± Sandorn asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see,¡± Grolo had a glint in his eye as he pushed Sandorn up.


    ¡°G¡¯wan now, I¡¯ll wait down here with them guards of yours. Might win some gold off them boys in cards too. G¡¯wan now.¡±


    Slightly disorientated Sandorn headed up, unsure what else to do. Cautiously he drew his head up. Above he found himself in an artistically lit room, one aesthetically illuminated by candlelight carefully placed around the room. It was mostly empty, apart from one side where a small table lay with a beaker of wine and a single cup. Behind the table was a divan. Sitting with her legs crossed and leaning back as if completely at ease was Lady Liniseh, a cup of wine held in one hand, the other twirling a chain about her neck.


    Sandorn had to focus hard on not showing his surprise or delight at the scene and the Lady¡¯s appearance. After all, Sandorn was the one who was supposed to have instructed the room to be as it was.


    He climbed up as smoothly as he could. He stopped a moment to stare at Liniseh, she looked at him, neither smiled, both just looked.


    Sandorn pursed his lips, nodded to himself, and walked slowly over to the beaker. Pouring himself a cup he sat down, taking a moment he sighed before raising his cup.


    ¡°To you Lady Liniseh, I¡¯ll admit I was wondering if indeed you would show up.¡±


    Liniseh smiled briefly before raising her cup to his.


    ¡°I did consider not. It is something of a risk. Not to mention how it might appear. You, my King, summoning me here.¡±


    ¡°A request is not a summon.¡±


    ¡°It is when that request is from a King.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Sandorn drank deeply. The wine was good, a rare wine of Tralor, he savored the taste.


    ¡°And if I wasn¡¯t king, if I had requested you here tonight. Would you have come?¡±


    Linised shrugged, ¡°Perhaps, though that hardly matters. You are King.¡±


    Sandorn nodded, ¡°I am. And I am here with you. Whether you felt compelled or not I am glad of that fact.¡±


    ¡°Why did you ask me here, with this wine, these candles?¡±


    Sandorn drank deeply once more before laying the cup down.


    ¡°Why? Well Lady Liniseh, I found myself thinking about you after we had departed from one another. That confused me, maybe even bothered me. I guess I figured the best way to solve that confusement was to meet with you, speak with you.¡±


    ¡°You think that will solve it?¡±


    ¡°I think it will help.¡±


    ¡°And the wine? The candles? You think they will help?¡±


    ¡°They can¡¯t hurt.¡±


    Lady Liniseh laughed and sat back smiling to herself.


    ¡°I imagine you think because I agreed to meet you that that¡¯s it. That you have me.¡±


    Sandorn edged closer to her, she stopped talking.


    ¡°How do we know that it¡¯s not you that has me?¡± Sandorn spoke quietly.


    ¡°I suppose we don¡¯t,¡± Liniseh replied.


    ¡°Perhaps this will help us decide.¡±


    Sandorn leaned in slowly, Liniseh did not move closer, but nor did she move away.


    Sandorn brushed back a loose strand of her hair. He kissed her softly, their kiss was a lasting one, but gentle.


    Sandorn was the first to pull back. Liniseh bit her lip as he did so. The sight excited Sandorn more than he thought possible. Kissing her again he pushed down slightly on top of her as his kisses became firmer. Liniseh moaned softly as he pressed down on her.


    Sandorn realised just how much he truly wanted her, more than he had even thought to himself. He knew such feelings, such desires were dangerous. Right now it did not seem to matter. Only Liniseh did. Her and he. Sandorn began kissing her once more. He didn¡¯t need to think. For now focusing on Liniseh was thinking enough.

 The last pieces

    ¡°Well, well.¡± Averan drummed his hands on the table. ¡°I had a feeling things would go well for you. But¡­it sounds like you had a better time than even I expected. Things really are looking up for us two eh? Imagine us both with women? Sounds a bit mad doesn¡¯t it.¡±


    Sandorn smiled, ¡°It does really, though I wouldn¡¯t be so sure of anything just yet, we still have some ways to go before we can relax truly.¡±


    Averan rolled his eyes before raising two fingers. ¡°For two minutes Sandorn, for two minutes can we not worry or fret about something or other? Look at you, strutting about the place, it¡¯s very clear that you had a night without worry the previous, you needn¡¯t pretend to be plotting away when it¡¯s just me.¡±


    ¡°I am not plotting away. Nor am I strutting about the place. And you can hardly talk, following Alisha around all over the place.¡±


    ¡°I do not follow her. If anything she follows me. And anyways that¡¯s what happens when two people are in love, it is not something to be scoffed at Brother, King or not.¡±


    Sandorn looked around the room as if perplexed, ¡°In love? You are in love? With a girl you met, what, a week ago?¡±


    Averan shrugged, ¡°Six days. Love does crazy things.¡±


    Sandorn looked at him with clear irritation but said nothing. Averan pretended to examine his fingernails. He was always the one person who could get under Sandorn¡¯s skin. He scratched at his nose to cover his smile.


    ¡°I might marry her.¡±


    Sandorn clicked his teeth, ¡°Yes, you might, you might also marry someone else.¡±


    ¡°Fine then, I will marry her.¡±


    ¡°Will? Should I hold you to that?¡± Sandorn raised a brow.


    ¡°Well, okay I probably will marry her. One can hardly predict things when it comes to love.¡±


    ¡°Either way I¡¯m sure Alisha will be blessed to have a husband such as you.¡±


    Sandorn scratched his nose just as Averan had before, Averan examined him closely.


    ¡°Yes¡­.actually she would.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡± Averan asked.


    ¡°What about me?¡±


    Averan wiped a hand down slowly over his face. He breathed in deeply and smiled.


    ¡°What about you and the lovely Lady Liniseh? You seem rather keen on her from what I can gather.¡±


    ¡°Well it will depend, let¡¯s see-¡±


    ¡°What tomorrow will bring, yes, yes. Because planning and love always go so well together.¡±


    ¡°FINE, fine. If you must know then¡­ yes I will go about things proper like after all this is settled down. She may be older, but forty one is not so much, not for Chimerean blood. Her House is one of prestige and power, and she has been a strong supporter of our cause.¡±


    ¡°And she looks like a Goddess.¡±


    Sandorn raised his hands in agreement, ¡°And she looks like a Goddess,¡± he repeated.


    Averan sat back in his chair, he put his feet up on the table.


    ¡°Imagine Brother, Gorias will be ours, hells the outer cities too. Everywhere we go people will know our names. The Inner, the Outer, we can go where we want, how we want, and when we want. You know, once we do get everything under control, I¡¯m going to do a tour, me and Alisha. Oh Brother I can not wait, I really can¡¯t.¡±


    Sandorn smiled, ¡°Nor can I Averan, nor can I.¡±


    They sat in silence then, a pleasant silence, Averan was content in his own thoughts and Sandorn seemed similarly content with his.


    ¡°Well, it is about time we brought the others in. We¡¯ll do it in the throne room for effect.¡± Sandorn eventually broke into the easy silence, ¡°Might as well do it now. Wendon and the Cap will want to be back in the tunnels again before dark. It was already a struggle getting them down there and back out. The Cap it seems is not a fan of enclosed spaces.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get Lear or Grend to round everyone up. Shouldn¡¯t take long.¡±


    Averan got up and dusted himself down. There were still two days until the New Order went on the attack. Already he was restless. Bounding up he headed for the doors, Sandorn waved him off, he¡¯d already gone back to whatever scroll or map he had been looking at from the morning.


    Outside Grend and Lear were keeping guard.


    They both bowed low on seeing him, ¡°Prince Averan.¡±


    Both of them spoke in perfect unison as if they were actual formally trained guards. As they held in laughter Averan threw a lazy kick at Grend who happened to be nearest to him and with his hand slapped Lear across the back of the head.


    ¡°Well I¡¯m glad to see ye are having fun. Where¡¯s Sarvth?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s off this morning, his turn.¡± Grend explained, ¡°Probably down below in the servant''s quarters somewhere. Found himself a pretty lass from the kitchen.¡±


    ¡°Or so he says,¡± Lear added, ¡°hard to know with Sarvth sometimes.¡±


    ¡°True enough,¡± Averan said. ¡°Look Grend, go find someone to cover for you here and then inform Lord Dranar and his Family that King Sandorn wishes to speak with them. Get Wendon and the Cap while you¡¯re at it. I¡¯ll go find Fenadorn when you get someone to take over here.¡±


    ¡°Right, I¡¯ll grab one of our lads from the guardhouse.¡±


    Grend stopped up abruptly after only a few steps and turned slowly, he clicked his fingers, ¡°When you say Lord Dranar and his family, I suppose that means Alisha too then does it? I don¡¯t mind calling on her at all, I just want to be clear.¡±


    Averan clicked his fingers back at Grend, ¡°Ahhhh¡­.no. I¡¯ll get Alisha Grend, though you already knew that.¡±


    Grend winked at him, ¡°Just checking.¡±


    Averan tried but failed to hold his laughter at his friend¡¯s face, he turned back to Lear, ¡°I should have sent you instead. Anyhow, tell me all about our dear Sarvth¡¯s new lady, it¡¯s only right seeing as how ye know all about me.¡±


    Grend¡¯s replacement didn¡¯t take too long arriving, a fresh recruit just recently approved into their new Royal Guard by Fenadorn, he looked about the same age as Averan himself. He clapped the young man on the shoulders as he got into position, the boy had a vice-like grip on his spear and Fenadorn¡¯s training was evident in both his manner and stance.


    Averan wasn¡¯t sure it was such a good idea leaving him alone with Lear, as fine a swordsman as Averan had ever seen Lear was nonetheless quite rough around the edges. The formal customs and traditions of the palace guard would take a while to take hold on him. Still, Lear had plenty to teach, some of it good, Averan was sure the new man would feel at home sooner rather than later. He left them with a Royal wave that he¡¯d been practicing and made his way out into the Palace complex. He headed towards the Council chambers first, he knew he¡¯d find Fenadorn there.


    He was right. The old protector was busy, surrounded by a host of the Household Guards he was instructing them just when and where they would be emerging two days from now. The Household guards would be up first, meeting up with their respective Houses before heading to the Fountain. Fenadorn wanted to personally make sure all of the men reached their home Manors safely and undetected. Averan kept to the back of the room at Fenadorn¡¯s back. He did not want to intrude on such an important matter. Fenadorn was always particular about such things. He hated untimely interruptions. Fortunately, it seemed he was finishing up, giving the final instructions and orders for the men to carry out. Only when he dismissed the men did Averan think to come up beside him. He picked up one of the glass jars left on the table and casually flicked it up in the air.


    Fenadorn moved unbelievably fast to catch the jar as it fell. His eyes wide he exhaled deeply.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­..touch Averan.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Averan put up his hands defensively, ¡°Bit particular about a jar aren¡¯t you? Must be a damn good wine.¡±


    ¡°It is not wine. If you must know it is lighter oil, for the torches. There are over a hundred of them lying about in the cellars. I thought we might use them.¡±


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    ¡°Use them? How?¡±


    Fenadorn shrugged, ¡°To protect the palace, to burn enemies, fire is one thing Chimeras don¡¯t particularly enjoy.¡±


    ¡°To be fair Fenadorn if you are talking about lighting them on fire and burning them then nobody particularly likes fire. I still don¡¯t see when we could use them.¡±


    ¡°Nor do I, but they are good to have.¡±


    Averan laughed, ¡°If you say so, some man to think ahead I¡¯ll give you that. Anyways, it is time for the meeting. Sandorn is waiting at the throne room, the others will be on their way to him now.¡±


    ¡°Good, we¡¯ll walk back together then.¡±


    ¡°Ahhh,¡± Averan licked his lips, ¡°yeah well first I have to get Alisha and then I¡¯ll head back. Probably better you head on in without me, don¡¯t want to be waiting about for us.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Fenadorn finally looked up from the table, ¡°Alisha is your new lady then is she?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and a very fine new lady she is. She¡¯s lovely Fenadorn.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she is, I just wonder about timing. For you and your Brother, he especially should really know better.¡±


    Avern was nodding in agreement but stopped on contemplation.


    ¡°Wait why especially him? Why should he know so much better than me?¡±


    Fenadorn didn¡¯t even have to say it, a slightly raised brow was enough.


    ¡°Alright fine, and how the hell do you know about Liniseh, she¡¯s-¡±


    ¡°Lady Liniseh.¡±


    Averan sighed, ¡°Yes ok Lady Liniseh, how the hells do you know about her?¡±


    ¡°Averan how many times have you tried to keep a secret from me? You and Sandorn both.¡±


    ¡°Many,¡± admitted Averan.


    ¡°And how many have you gotten away with.¡±


    ¡°None,¡± Averan conceded, though in truth there were plenty of things he¡¯d gotten away with. And plenty of things Fenadorn didn¡¯t know that they knew about him also. Fenadorn was not so unpopular with the ladies himself, Averan remembered how shocked he and Sandorn had been after following him one night to a busy tavern of the underground. Fenadorn had seemed to know each and every one of the people gathered there. And the owner had thrown her arms around him as if he had been some sailor just returned from overseas.


    ¡°Look, there will be time for all that after. But we will need to discuss it all. Together.¡±


    ¡°Yes Fenadorn, I do agree.¡±


    ¡°Good, now go and attend to Lady Dronian.¡± Fenadorn put a hand on Averan¡¯s shoulder as he went to head off. ¡°And by that I mean go and get her for the meeting, don¡¯t attend to her in any other way.¡±


    Averan rolled his eyes, ¡°Okay Fenadorn yes, I¡¯m not a complete deviant. Despite what you might think.¡±


    Fenadorn gave him a playful shove and that was it, Averan went quickly to Alisha¡¯s chambers, he didn¡¯t want to keep Sandorn waiting.


    Her guards didn¡¯t bother stopping him, Alisha had made it clear that Averan was welcome at any time.


    He knocked on the door three times and waited patiently. Alisha didn¡¯t take long to open. Averan smiled seeing her, she was dressed in one of her summer dresses, this one an intricately designed piece in her House colors of blue and purple.


    ¡°Hello my Prince,¡± she said, somewhat surprised at his appearance, ¡°I thought you were with your Brother.¡±


    ¡°I was, or rather I am.¡± Averan began, ¡°We¡¯re meeting now to finalise it all, everyone is to head for the Throne room.¡±


    ¡°My family?¡±


    ¡°Already on their way there.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Alisha opened the door fully, ¡°You didn¡¯t have to come and find me yourself you know, I could have managed.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I know you could, I just¡­.well you know.¡±


    She put a hand to her chest in mock indignation, ¡°Just what? You thought we could-¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think anything,¡± Averan raised a hand laughing, ¡°I just wanted to see you is all, to see you and accompany you to the Meeting. That is all, I swear.¡±


    ¡°I am glad to hear that,¡± Alisha turned up her nose and offered her hand.


    Averan took it with elaborate grace and led her back down the halls.


    ¡°Besides,¡± he whispered, ¡°it¡¯s after the meeting that I was thinking we should-¡±


    Alisha slapped him playfully across the chest.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just focus on the meeting for now. We¡¯ll worry about that other thing after.¡±


    By the time they arrived at the throne room, the others were already there waiting.


    Averan was glad that Alisha had broken herself away from him as they entered. Truthfully he would have walked in there arm in arm with her. But that may have been a bit too bold for Lord Dranar¡¯s liking. As he led her to his place he caught a few intense-looking glares from her cousins. Averan only smiled pleasantly back at them. He nodded at Dranar, who nodded back, not unpleasantly, though certainly not pleasantly either.


    Hurriedly he made his way up to stand beside Sandorn upon the throne. He was on one side, Fenadorn the other.


    Below the dais to one side stood Dranar, Alisha, and their family. Beside them were three guards of House Dunedain sent by Lord Yan. They would be responsible for relaying any final messages between both sides. Fenadorn knew the Captain of Dunedain House by name, a man by the name Daren, that was enough for Averan to trust him with the information here today. He was a huge chunk of man, even taller than Averan himself. His armor looked heavy but the Captain of House Dunedain didn¡¯t seem like a fellow to complain. With his size and strength it probably felt like nothing anyhow. He stood, still as a statue and with a face as unmoving as one.


    To the other side of the room stood Wendon and the Cap along with three more leading figures within the reformed city guard. Sandorn had gone against his original idea to put Fenadorn as the new Commander. Wendon represented the old Royalist section of the city guard more than anyone. He more than anyone else could unite the force once more. In the current uneasy climate, it was best not to stir up any more unrest within their ranks. Besides Fenadorn was needed far more in the palace and at Sandorn¡¯s side than he was down in the outer city. Averan was glad to have him close by.


    Sandorn waited a moment to let the talking die down.


    ¡°First, let me start by welcoming Commander Wendon and his men, I am most glad you could join us here today. And even more glad to hear how well you have been leading the Outer ring. I take it everything is running smoothly.¡±


    ¡°It is King Sandorn, all is going as planned. All of the Barracks are secure, and 400 men replaced those based at the Southern Watchtower yesterday. The transition was a smooth one, the men more than happy to hear of the reinstatement of the old ways and values of the City Guard tradition. The underground clans have been busy in your absence, but as you stressed we have been lenient thus far. We¡¯ve restored order down below for now.¡±


    ¡°That is good, and your leniency is appreciated. I will deal with the clans personally once the Inner city is safely in our hands. Until then continue as you have been.¡±


    Sandorn brought his hands together.


    ¡°We have done much together. And have almost achieved that which was quite impossible to even imagine even a moon past. Yet here we are. In two days time the New Order will lead an attack, their goal? To take back the palace and immediately target each of the Barracks. Before they can even move from their starting point however we will make ours. As Chimeras I, my Brother, Lord Dranar and his family will easily and quickly be able to make our way to Fountain Square, the location of our ambush. For a troop of men getting through the streets will take time. Though a procession will be arranged to follow up we will need good men to be down inside the tunnels waiting to reveal themselves when the moment is right. Though surrounded by both Beasts, ballistae, and a veritable army of men some may resist. If they do, their resistance must be shut down. Brutally.¡±


    Sandorn paused a moment as he let his words sink in.


    ¡°In the palace, we now have 500 men, the Household guards given to us by our allies will be needed back at their own Manors to prevent any suspicions as they prepare for the assault. Which means we will need a hundred city guards on top of those we have to complete our mission, Commander Wendon.¡±


    ¡°It is no problem. We have the men you need on hand. I and my Captains will hand pick the best.¡±


    Sandorn nodded, ¡°Then all is in place. Now we must wait, plan and plan again. Everything must be perfect for two days'' time. Everything. Captain Daren, I trust you will be able to relay all said here today to Lord Yan.¡±


    ¡°It will be done.¡±


    It will be done. Averan repeated the Captain¡¯s words in his head, the man sounds exactly as he looks. A voice like steel.


    ¡°I would request,¡± Dranar looked to Sandorn first before turning to Wendon, ¡°That my own Household guards be chosen for this mission. I hope they have been of some use to you, and I thank you Commander Wendon for hosting them at your Barracks. But as of now I feel as though they will be of more use here, and they will be needed for my own Family¡¯s sake once everything is settled.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Wendon shrugged, ¡°if the King is happy with it then so too am I, 50 of your men means we only have to pick another 50 good men of our own. Makes our job a lot easier.¡±


    Sandorn nodded, ¡°Very well, I see no reason why not. Then that is decided. Does anyone have any further questions? Everyone is clear on exactly what they must do?¡±


    Averan cast his eyes over all gathered. All seemed content. There were no further queries to be had.


    Sandorn rose to his feet, ¡°Then we are done here.¡±


    And with that they were. Averan followed Sandorn and Fenadorn as they headed out, he didn¡¯t try and catch Alisha¡¯s eye, now was not the time. Outside Averan saw that the light had already started to fade. The day was closing, soon it would be only a single day left between them and their final destiny. He could almost taste it.

 Destruction

    Sandorn tried to hide his nerves. He stood still, hands on his sword hilts atop the battlements, Averan and Fenadorn stood on his right, Dranar and his family to the left. Below two-thirds of the men they had stationed at the palace were in formation, ready at a notice to move out.


    The morning was cold and damp, sunrise had been little more than a flicker against the grey sky. It was almost time.


    Soon now the Houses of the Forty would be congregating down by the Foutain square. Once they were in place it would not take long for the Houses loyal to the Kings to reveal themselves.


    Everything was in order. Men were already down in the tunnels just waiting for the signal to emerge by the fountain square. The Heavy Ballistae had been carefully and secretly moved piece by piece to surround the area. And men lay all along the streets with arrows leading from the palace to the fountain, arrows waiting to be lit to light up the early morning sky. Once they had their signal. Sandorn, Averan, Lord Dranar, and his family would transform to quickly make their way down to their allies. Everything was in order. No one spoke, there was nothing to be said now.


    They just needed to wait.


    Sandorn saw it first, way in the distance, the first flaming arrow sent soaring into the morning sky. Almost immediately after it another went up closer to the palace walls, then another and another. By the third Sandorn had already transformed. He roared and was joined in by several others as Averan, Alisha and all of Dranar¡¯s family joined in. He was about to leap down, lead the charge to victory when he heard it.


    AAAAAAARRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH


    He paused midstep. The sound of the horn was disarming, but more than that was its location. It came from behind them, it came from inside the palace.


    Sandorn turned but Dranar cut across him. Even in his Beast form he spoke clearly.


    ¡°No you stay, me, Alisha, and my Sister will restore order, you watch the gates, do not miss the signal. It is our goal. That is our priority. Whatever that horn is must be a means for them to distract us. Do not give in.¡±


    He didn¡¯t give Sandorn a chance to respond before he had leapt down. Sandorn frowned, a hundred thoughts going through his head as shouts of alarm erupted around him. Dranar was wrong, they couldn¡¯t move out with the palace compromised.


    ¡°Fenadorn, ready the men, set formation. Whatever is down there must stay down there. Averan you and the cousins-¡±


    The sounds of battle were growing louder inside the palace but a new sound seemed to echo in Sandorn¡¯s ears. The gates were being opened. Impossible.


    Sandorn didn¡¯t know why he looked back out over the city, he just knew. He knew what he would see then and his eyes confirmed it. From Fountain Square Sandorn saw them. At least twenty, probably more Chimeras were streaming over buildings and streets as they hurtled towards the palace. There were three ahead of the others, but they were all heading to them. Towards the palace and the now open Gates.


    ¡°DOWNNN.¡±


    Fenadorn¡¯s voice alerted him, as usual he had realised just what was happening before anyone else.


    Instinctively Sandorn ducked.


    The tail went scything through the air above him with force enough to have almost beheaded him at such a close distance.


    Things moved fast then.


    Sandorn came up hard and fast against his attacker, Droned, the look on the Chimera¡¯s face indicated he¡¯d expected a kill strike, he was slow to react.


    Sandorn came up hard further negating the distance between them before using his top horns to slice across the neck of Droned, swerving underneath a clumsy attack, Sandorn skipped to one side before whipping his own tail in a wide arc to drive it into the other side of Droned¡¯s neck. He didn¡¯t need to watch him fall to know the beast would trouble him no more.


    Averan was opposite him, similarly successful, he however, was mercilessly pummelling his paws down into the other Dronian cousin''s face. The feline features were already almost unrecognisable such was the beating Averan was inflicting.


    The deaths of the two cousins had only taken a few moments, but it seemed already enough. It was chaos down below. From the palace came row after row of Household guards, too many to count. But more worryingly still was the Chimeras amongst them, Sandorn counted six at a glance.


    They came up through the tunnels? Sandorn realised as he stared down in horror, he¡¯d made sure to keep 50 men in the cellars down below, yet there must have been at least five times that already charging into the courtyard. Overrun. Easily overrun.


    Sandorn felt fury, rage, and confusion all building inside him. He strained his neck to peer down towards the gate. He knew what¡¯d he would see. And there he saw them.


    Two chimeras down there with a ring of their own men. Dronian men. Dranar and the Lady Alaina were both in their Chimera form and together with their men had opened and were holding open the Gates. Alisha was nowhere to be found.


    Behind him Fenadorn was bellowing out orders, struggling to send men down to the courtyard below to help those being slaughtered, whilst simultaneously trying to get enough men together to take back the Gate.


    Sandorn turned and found Averan now beside them. Together they looked down, down upon their ruin and demise. Sandorn looked at his Brother and he looked at him, they didn¡¯t need words.


    As once they raced along the battlements and leapt, both soared high, high up into the sky. There was no hope of victory now, both of them knew it. It did not matter. None of it mattered anymore.


    Sandorn landed first, slamming down into a horde of attacking Household Guards. Averan landed a moment later, right at Sandorn¡¯s back. Dranar was their aim. Alaina too, but Dranar most of all. Our Father¡¯s greatest friend, our traitor? But he saved us? Sandorn remembered the Ballistae about to pierce through his heart. He saved us then to kill us now?


    Even amidst the havoc, Sandorn didn¡¯t want to believe it. But his anger did.


    It seemed their intentions were not unplanned. The chimeras Sandorn had seen were in a defensive position now, surrounding Dranar and the gates themselves. Sandorn had been wrong before. There were five Chimeras against them, along with Dranar and Alaina.


    None of it mattered.


    They didn¡¯t pause, but charged together as one. They matched each other step for step, Sandorn covered the left, Averan the right. Tails, horns, and claws clashed against them but did not stop their charge. They went right through. They had picked a single Beast for their charge. He¡¯d been confident as they came, Sandorn¡¯s eyes saw the change in his foe¡¯s face however as he realised that strength in numbers meant little against the Twins Aureate.


    As they broke through it was clear that the smaller Chimera against them was in two minds. Left or right, in the end he went neither.


    Sandorn skidded drawing a claw across one side, Averan used his horns digging them in deep along the other. Sandorn used his claw to swing around and come out the other side, Averan did the same, twirling around with his horns still buried in the chimera to swing the other side. There was no time to seek out Dranar and Alaina just yet, Sandorn had two Chimeras on his side, Averan had the same. Sandorn raced into them, using his tail to hold back one as he engaged the other. His fury drove him, he¡¯d never felt the Beast rage so much inside him. Usually he would have held it back, relented. Not now. He let it flow over him, he was faster, stronger than ever. The two chimeras pawns and he a King. He easily moved between their strikes, lashing out again and again as they tried in vain to reach him. Patient he soon found the opening, one of the Chimeras evidently frustrated lashed out a little too reckless. Sandorn stepped back before using his paw to slam the head of the attacker down towards the ground. As the Beast stumbled forward Sandorn bit down hard. Latching onto the neck while at the same time deflecting with his tail an attack from the other Chimera. He held long enough for the Beast underneath to stop moving. Ripping away he turned to face the last remaining. But he didn¡¯t need to. Averan had finished up even quicker than him it seemed. His two done with he now held the last Chimera up over his head, he held him up with his paws but the top of his horns balanced the dying Beast. With an incredible feat of strength he flung the dead Chimera back towards the palace and a unit of Household guards. Many were left broken and trapped underneath the dead body.


    When Averan looked on him now Sandorn almost took a step back. It was not Averan staring back at him. It was his Beast. Sandorn was surprised to find himself unworried by the sight. He laughed, the sound manic in his Chimera form, he wanted to let go as Averan had.


    None of it mattered.


    Destruction. That was all that was left. Soon. But first Dranar.


    ¡°AVERAN, BROTHER. TO ME.¡±


    Averan, or what was left of him inside did respond, flickering back to himself again. However turning Sandorn saw they were too late, again. Out of the gates, he could see three Chimeras bounding up the last steps towards them. They three were still slightly ahead of the pack. Eager for slaughter.


    Sandorn was about to get ready to face them when his eyes focused clearer on the three. There had been so many shocks that it took a moment for him to grasp it. His shock was only confirmed when Alaina¡¯s chimera when to greet the newcomers at the entrance at the gate. She thought as Sandorn had. Dranar covered her behind the wall of his Household guards.


    Alaina was there one moment gone the next. The first Chimera through the gate had smashed straight into her. Lord Yan.


    He pounced on top of her, before anyone could react he¡¯d bitten clean through Alaina¡¯s arm and spat the remainder out. Behind him came three more, even in their Chimera form Sandorn could recognise them now. Lord Cendar of House Iden and¡­¡­. Sandorn heart dropped as the last of the three entered inside. Liniseh.


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    None of them hesitated before crashing into those who had emerged from the tunnels. In one single charge they cleared a path almost back to the palace itself. They hadn¡¯t stopped and Sandorn soon saw why. They were hardly inside the Gates when the second group, who Sandorn now knew must have been chasing them came barrelling through. They were a much larger group. They did pause.


    In that moment Sandorn glimpsed Dranar, cowering beside the walls and behind the new arrivals. His allies.


    Sixteen Chimeras now lined up inside the walls, with Dranar that was seventeen against Sandorn, Averan, and the three who had made a desperate last attempt to unite with them.


    The soldiers of both sides had retreated, Fenadorn had somehow ended up behind them, leading what remained of their forces he¡¯d managed to keep the men in formation. They were gathered behind Sandorn and the four other Chimeras.


    Those soldiers who had attacked from the tunnels into the palace had been turned around. When the three Chimeras had smashed into them it had effectively broken them, in scattered groups they fled to hide behind the wall of Chimeras now stood in front of the still-open gates. Sandorn supposed more of their Household guards would soon arrive, and likely more Chimeras along with them.


    There was little point in soldiers now though, they would only get in the way, besides the New Order didn¡¯t need them, not when they had such an advantage in Beasts.


    Even besides all that Sandorn saw that all along the walls his men had been replaced, the Ballistae which once served to guard them now pointed firmly at them. Everything was against them.


    At the center of the New Order line one of their ranks came forward. Sandorn smiled despite it all, he would show no despondency now.


    The one who came forward was no surprise. Lord Asral stood opposite him, their Leader. His Chimera was big, as big as Yan¡¯s huge beast and almost of a size with Averan.


    ¡°King Aureate. Your reign has proven rather short-lived I¡¯m afraid.¡±


    Asral spoke clearly, even as the Beast there was no difficulty understanding him.


    ¡°I am glad,¡± he continued, ¡°glad that we have this final chance to speak. To explain.¡± Asral shook his large head, ¡°And apologise, that too. We needed time to familiarise ourselves with the Tunnels you see. That¡¯s why it took us three days to attack, I hope you hadn¡¯t become too familiar with your Family''s old home in the meantime.¡±


    Sandorn shook his head, ¡°I am glad too, it is good to speak with you. Though strangely when we do it is always you running, or standing in front of overwhelming odds. Amusing that.¡±


    ¡°Amusing?¡± Asral began pacing from side to side. He laughed.


    ¡°What is amusing is you and your loyal friends believing that you ever had some hope of success. Everything you have done and accomplished has been preordained and anticipated.¡±


    Asral saw Sandorn¡¯s glance, he waved his paw in front of him.


    ¡°Oh no, please don¡¯t blame our dear Lord Dranar. He was a tool, that is all. All he has ever been in truth, first for your Father and then for us. Don¡¯t blame him. In fact, you should thank him. If not for him you really would have died a lot sooner, in a lot less glory. I¡¯m sure there will be plenty of drunken songs and stories echoed in your names after this in fact. The Aureate Twins, heroes of a past Age. Ohhh I can almost hear them now.¡±


    Asral sighed, ¡°You see, we dismissed you at first, an afterthought. But when you survived and ruled the underground well¡­..that was somewhat surprising. And then the City guard, Commander Grevus, the Barracks even, control of the entire outer city.¡±


    Asral smiled, ¡°That was rather impressive, even I can admit it. But that was as far as we were willing to let you go. Until¡­.until we saw a way of using you. We have known about those not fully embracing of the new way of doing things. You gave them a figurehead. Those who yet pined for the days of Kings.¡±


    Asral shook his head once more, ¡°Not because of some misguided sense of loyalty or anything, oh no. But because of what it meant for their Houses, they knew we were slowly eroding them, breaking them down from within. Power, that, and that alone was their reason for supporting you. Which, as it happens we knew they would. That¡¯s where Lord Dranar came in. The link we needed to put you two and the traitors together. It was a perfect mix. In one swoop we could expose and rid ourselves of the greatest threat to our New Order. We would have killed you when you proclaimed that ridiculous piece of paper your Father scribbled on. But then that would have been chaos, also as you can imagine we needed a way to get trust for Lord Dranar here, what better way than to save your lives.¡±


    Asral stopped his pacing.


    ¡°I suppose you are wondering why I am bothering to tell you this. It is because I want you to know. The game has been rigged from the start dear Twins. We didn¡¯t care about you. We never cared about you. This,¡± he waved his paws around him, ¡°all of it was only to root out those who thought to stand against us. And now we have. For that at least, I thank you.¡±


    Sandorn struggled to find words, struggled to control himself. There was no way out, the palace locked down, the tunnels overrun if not destroyed. The remainder of their allies probably already in chains by the fountain.


    ¡°Now I guess would be the time to offer you a chance to surrender. But no, not this time. Your usefulness is at an end. As I fear, are you.¡±


    Asral raised his hands and the Ballistae fired, Sandorn knew how many must have been on them. He¡¯d counted them out himself. Ten on one side, ten on the other.


    He couldn¡¯t help the others, only himself. Sandorn leapt back as the Bolts went crashing towards them, even with five targets it was no easy task to hit a Chimera. But as soon as the first bolts had been fired the opposing Chimeras had charged, Asral at their head.


    Seventeen Chimeras came down on the five of them almost all at once. Before Sandorn could meet the first one Lord Yan had barged forward to meet the charge head-on. The bolt hanging from his leg seemed to make no impact. He crashed into three Chimeras sending not only himself but also the three of them flying backward.


    The others took advantage of the gap, Sandorn was through first with Averan following close behind. They were instantly surrounded on all sides. Sandorn moved as he always did, fast and elusive but it was no use. He still felt the blood and pricks of pain as he was cut several times over by those around him. There were too many Beasts fighting at once, amidst the chaos Sandorn struggled to stay beside those fighting with him as tails, horns and paws came rushing at him with increasing regularity. The fight was futile, their hope extinguished. Sandorn caught a glimpse to his left of Averan, another to his right of Liniseh. He wanted to help them, to break out of the trap. But all he could was turn, and turn again. One foe, then another. There was no break, there was no end.


    The explosion came as a surprise to everyone. Time seemed to slow as the world erupted into flames around them. Fenadorn.


    How he had got his hands on explosives, or why he had Sandorn didn¡¯t know. It was Fenadorn, he always planned ahead.


    The first jar landed in the air high above them. A small thing, yet for such an inconspicuous object the blast it created was impressive.


    The oil for torchlights. Sandorn only recognised them because he¡¯d used them himself when down in the tunnels beneath the palace.


    He glanced up to where Fenadorn, Sarvth, Grend and Lear were perched on a second-floor balcony, each one had several of the jars placed about them. Sandorn didn¡¯t know how or why they were there but he watched as they flung out four more into the crowd of attacking Chimeras. It wasn¡¯t enough to kill, Chimera hide was not easily harmed, but more than enough to hurt and distract. Distract most of all. As the New Way chimeras cowered away from the sudden burst of flames it gave them a moment, just a moment. Sandorn made a decision in that moment.


    ¡°THE THRONE ROOM,¡±


    Sandorn did his best to sound out the words. His Beast was in control far more than he was used to and speech was becoming increasingly difficult, even for him.


    He didn¡¯t know why he¡¯d picked there. There was no hope waiting for them in the throne room. But it was better than wasting away out here in the open. It was something, some form of direction.


    The others heard his call, their ears somehow recognising his voice above the chaos. The four struggled back inside the palace. Already above them Fenadorn and the others were retreating back, the few jars already spent. What seconds they had gained from the fiery turmoil were almost at an end.


    Just ahead of him, Averan was covered in a pool of red, cut half a hundred times over. Liniseh was missing a half of her top horn. Young Cendar Iden had two bolts stuck in his back, one snapped in half the other fully intact, together they limped away as best they could. All except¡­Yan.


    Sandorn turned suddenly realising his absence. He turned in time to see Yan, barely able to stay standing, launch himself into the enemy Chimeras already preparing to give chase. It wasn¡¯t even a last desperate attack, it was a sacrifice. Yan was immediately set upon, Sandorn¡¯s last look was Yan as he was tore apart by a dozen chimeras all fighting to rip out the biggest piece of the mighty Beast.


    He had won them time however, enough at least to stumble and scramble back, back into the throne room.


    They fled, down the corridors leading into the heart of the Palace. Some small groups of soldiers continued to fight on but they ignored them. There was no time to aid or kill now. Sandorn could hear the sound of Chimeras chasing them down, the sounds were growing by the second.


    Averan was through first, the doors were left open an he charged in ahead, Liniseh collapsed in the door behind him, evidently exhausted by the effort getting there. Sandorn came last a little way behind, almost dragging Cendar with him. They would not make it in time to close the doors. Sandorn saw it but kept dragging Cendar with him. Averan was staring wide-eyed at them, ready and waiting to shut the door. He did not look at Sandorn however, only stared wide-eyed at Cendar.


    Just as they came to the door Sandorn was surprised to find himself pushed through by Cendar.


    ¡°NOW. CLOSE IT.¡±


    Before Sandorn could say a word Averan had done as commanded. The door slammed shut just as the sound of bodies crashed up against it. Howls of Battle came through. But they did not last long.


    The door was large, enough for even Averan to pass through easily. It was a door built to last, and built to withstand any enemy when closed. Any enemy, even a Chimera. It was oak, thick and reinforced with  steel plates. Along its surface ran steel spikes, sharp and plenty enough to penetrate any Beast which thought to charge and smash it open.


    But it would not have been closed in time had it not been for Cendar. Sandorn had caught a last glimpse of the young Lord¡¯s face as he fell in through the door. He had never seen such human features on a Chimera face. For the second time today Sandorn fought against the feelings of guilt, shame and humiliation pressing down on him. Cendar deserved better, just like Yan had. But now was not the time for contemplation. He pushed images of Fenadorn from his mind, he had last seen him retreating into the palace with the others. It is Fenadorn, he will not fall. Not him. Never. But now is not the time. Not now.


    Beside the gate Averan slumped to the floor, the transformation back to human seemed to drain whatever energy he had remaining.


    Sandorn looked towards the gate behind him. As formidable as it gate, it would not last long. Fenadorn¡¯s distraction, Lord Yan and Cendar¡¯s distraction, all of it had served to give them time to hide within the throne room. Small doors ran on either side of the throne. Both far too small for a Chimera. They wouldn¡¯t dare send men in, not even now. Besides what was another few minutes for them. There was a respite, if only briefly.


    Getting to his feet Sandorn turned around to find Liniseh. Gone was the Beast, only the Lady herself remained. She had managed to revert to her human state.


    Perhaps because of the shock of seeing her in such condition, Sandorn was also able to change back, without the struggle he felt building inside of him.


    He rushed over to where she lay and knelt down beside her. Taking her head in his lap he brushed back the hair from her face. Her eyes were closed and her breathing pained. Sandorn tried to hold back tears as he looked down on her. A drop fell onto her face. He failed, just as he¡¯d failed to see the betrayal that had been haunting him from the beginning. Even now, bruised and beaten, with several cuts and scars dripping blood she still looked beautiful. Sandorn laughed despite everything, she still looks beautiful. Even now.


    Her last breath came softly, her eyes never opened, she never spoke a last final word. She just died. Died in his arms.


    Me. This. This is all for me. The return of the King. Sandorn stared down at Liniseh¡¯s lifeless body.


    What have I done?

 Let go

    ¡°BROTHER.¡± Averan shook his head, ¡°I know, I know.¡± Averan couldn¡¯t stop his own tears, he laughed at how pathetic he was being.


    ¡°I know,¡± he whispered again.


    ¡°But we have to think. To move. Now cannot be it. It cannot be the end.¡±


    Sandorn looked up at him. Averan recognised the face. But the eyes were not his Brother¡¯s, his Brother''s eyes never looked so dead.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Averan. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Sandorn bowed his head.


    ¡°Sorry?¡± Averan heard a clamoring beyond the door, the word ram reached his ears.


    ¡°For what?¡± Averan asked. ¡°For keeping me alive all these years? We are together Brother. Always. Even now. If it¡¯s the end it is the end. But we keep fighting.¡±


    Sandorn breathed deeply and looked up at towards the sky. Averan watched him closely, there was little else he could do, every move felt like an ordeal after the effort he¡¯d needed just to transform.


    ¡°I am tired Brother.¡± Sandorn said slowly.


    ¡°Me too Sandorn, me too.¡± Averan crawled over to where Sandorn sat still holding Liniseh in his arms.


    ¡°Shall we go to the throne Averan. That¡¯d be a good ending wouldn¡¯t it. Fenadorn would like that. So would Dad.¡±


    ¡°They would Sandorn, they really would.¡±


    ¡°Or¡­..¡± Sandorn looked at him intensely.


    Averan saw his brother in the eyes looking back at him now.


    ¡°We could climb, to the dome and onto the roof.¡±


    ¡°The roof?¡±


    ¡°Yes. At the top. There is an opening." Sandorn smiled wiping away tears, "Large enough even for you. We could make it.¡±


    "We could." Averan agreed, "And from there.¡±


    ¡°From there?¡± Sandorn shrugged, ¡°From there, I do not know.¡±


    Averan peered up, ¡°It is high. Very high.¡±


    ¡°Race?¡± Sandorn smiled.


    ¡°You always win races,¡± Averan shook his head, smiling, ¡°it would be nice to win one.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps you will win this one.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps I will.¡±


    Sandorn got up slowly, gently he took Liniseh in his arms and carried her to a column. He lowered her with shaking legs. Averan looked away and got to his own feet. A loud thud sounded against the door behind him. Averan saw dust and splinters spraying from the impact. Not long now.


    Sandorn came up beside him.


    ¡°Ready Brother?¡±


    ¡°Ready,¡± Averan answered.


    It took them both a moment to ready themselves, beside him, Sandorn looked equally exhausted as Averan felt.


    The door creaked as the sounds from outside grew ever louder.


    His Chimera had been hurt far more than ever before. It was taking much longer to heal than he was used to.


    Sandorn transformed first, looking at him gave Averan the inspiration he needed to force his own change once again. This time the thrill of the transformation was greatly tempered by the pain which met him. Even the Chimera could only heal so much, he still felt pain in the Beast''s body.


    Averan looked up, the dome''s top seemed further away than it had before.


    Sandorn moved ahead of him, he moved slowly at first but eventually built up momentum enough so that when he leaped he leaped far up onto one of the columns beneath the dome. Averan gritted his teeth and made his own dash for a column. Sandorn perched elegantly even now atop his. Averan had to claw his way up. But he managed.


    Down below the door almost caved in with the latest blow. Sandorn didn¡¯t look back down, instead nodding at him and pointing upwards.


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    ¡°Follow my path.¡±


    Averan bobbed his head, Sandorn was always the better climber.


    He leaped, smashing up into the beginning of the domed wall. His tail kept him balanced, his two sets of claws helped him steady himself. It might not have been so difficult were he at full strength. But he wasn¡¯t, far from it.


    He struggled, leaping from one spot to the next. Sandorn had pushed ahead and was almost at the opening right by the Dome¡¯s top already. A circular space just barely large enough for them to enter. Clinging to its side Sandorn used his tail to casually smash in the glass. As the shards fell down below Averan heard the sounds of those gathered beneath them. Men and Chimeras both. He paused, out of breath. One more leap would get him to the top but he needed a moment. Just a moment to get his breath back.


    ¡°Averan, you can do it. One more, come on Brother, we will rest at the top. ¡°


    Averan nodded but still did not move. The gap seemed to be growing larger. Another moment, another moment and he¡¯d make it.


    ¡°Averan look at me. You can do it, Brother. You can do it. I will be here. You¡¯ll make it.¡±


    Averan looked up but Sandorn¡¯s eyes were staring worrying down at those beneath them.


    Perhaps they are going to give chase.


    Averan readied himself.


    ¡°That¡¯s it Brother, come on, just one more leap Averan. One more.¡±


    Averan was about to leap when he heard the clang of a weapon being drawn and released. He didn¡¯t have time to look, he was only focused on making the leap.


    ¡°AVERAN.¡±


    Averan looked up in horror to see Sandorn jumping towards him. He thought for a confusing moment Sandorn was going to crash into him. But he steered himself just below.


    Averan finally looked down. Just in time to see the four bolts. All four of which had been travelling straight towards his back. None of them would have missed, he made for an easy target. But they did miss him.


    Sandorn¡¯s body was slammed upwards by the force of the four ballistae. He bounced off of Averan¡¯s own body before he skidded and slided off the wall. Averan watched it all in horror.


    Sandorn desperately clawed and dug his tail into the domed wall. Blood came sputtering out of his mouth with the effort of hanging on. Only when he was right at the very edge did he manage to dig his tail in far enough to offer himself some support. With bloodied paws he clutched onto the last slight ledge remaining on the wall.


    Averan was about try and move back down towards him. He saw already that more Ballistae were being readied down at the floor beneath them.


    ¡°No.¡± Sandorn¡¯s voice came weakly towards him.


    ¡°No Averan, don¡¯t Brother.¡± Sandorn breathed in deeply shaking his head. Averan heard a faint laugh.


    ¡°Should have just died on the throne. Would have¡­..been a better ending. Still¡­..I always win races.¡±


    Sandorn looked down for a moment before exhaling and looking back at Averan.


    ¡°The Twins Aureate¡­.me and you Brother. Me and you. Me¡­. and you¡­. Averan.¡±


    He let go.


    Averan screamed but heard no sound come from his lips.


    Sandorn fell, with eyes closed and arms outstretched. He fell.


    Averan didn¡¯t move, no tears came, no words cried out. He just stared. stared as his brother fell almost motionless. Averan saw him transform back into his human form as he went. His face, looked so young, so fragile.


    And yet, no. Averan must have been mistaken, for when Sandorn landed a flurry of cries and a cloud of dust and bodies scattered into the air. Sandorn had planned to the last. His body crushed the four Ballistae before they could be moved away from his place of landing. Averan laughed, his eyes went blurry as the tears began to fall. Even in his death, Sandorn planned ahead.


    Sandorn had been his protector, his guide, his one constant. The only person who could care for him. Now he was dead. And Averan alone.


    He never had a father, a home, or grandparents. His Mother was unable to truly look after him. He only ever had Sandorn. Always Sandorn. With him he always had hope, always had a path to get out of their sorrow, their hardship. He always put the brunt of the stress on himself. By the time they weren¡¯t kids anymore Sandorn was so used to taking responsibility he didn¡¯t even realise he did it. He always put me first. And I failed him. I¡¯m sorry Brother. I¡¯m sorry.


    A tear fell down his cheek and fell like rain down, down to where Sandorn¡¯s body lay. Averan half laughed half cried.


    His head hurt, his heart hurt, everything hurt.


    Still he could not take his eyes from his Brother so far below him.


    Averan released control. Completely. He made no attempt to hold it back. He did not care any longer.


    He let go.


    Only the Beast remained. His vision blurred then, though from tears or lack of control, he did not know. His body began to move again. Strength returned, strength he did not know he had. I don¡¯t, Averan realised, it is not my strength anymore.


    He had never felt so powerful yet so helpless. His chimera seemed to move faster as it descended round and round the dome. Vaguely Averan could make out the group of men and Chimeras down below. Waiting, waiting for him.


    Averan felt as if he was watching as the Beast leaped. He crashed down onto the largest Chimera waiting. Then he was amongst them. All of them. Averan¡¯s vision blurred again, more than before now. He was being pushed further and further down as the Beast took over. It did not matter now. He did not fight it, did not have the energy to, nor did he want to.


    The last thing he saw was Sandorn. Sandorn in the human form, not broken. Not bloodied. Just him as he always was. His older Brother.


    Sandorn.

 Protector

    Fenadorn put his hand agains the wound. The bolt had hit clean, though thankfully nothing vital had came out when he pulled it. Still, the pain was something fierce. He closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall. All around him were the bodies of those who had fallen beside him. Grend, Sarvth, Lear, his recruits, his boys. He had trained each one of them personally and they had not let him down. Around them lay a circle of Atlantian men from lord Asral¡¯s own force. Fenadorn supposed the Lord of such a powerful House would have no trouble replacing them, but he was glad all the same. Fenadorn rose slowly to his feet as a fresh chorus of shouts rang out in the corridor behind him. The palace was overrun, the tunnels compromised. Everything was in ruins.


    Fenadorn sighed and cleaned his sword off of a passing garb of one of the fallen soldiers.


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    The last he¡¯d seen of Sandorn and Averan was them retreating back to the throne room. He didn¡¯t suppose there was any hope for either of them surviving now.


    More Chimeras had begun to arrive into the palace from the Inner City when last Fenadorn had been outside. They were led by Lord Laer of House Larren and Lady Mirinda of House Fortan on horseback.


    It was all over now. Every moment in his life had been building up to this day. And now it was almost through.


    Fenadorn heard the calls as his position was revealed. He walked towards them as a unit of men came around the corner. Fenadorn swirled his sword around and readied himself in a defensive position. He waited but the men did not move. Instead, they stopped before separating. From behind them came a Chimera. It roared down at him.


    Fenadorn smiled and took up an offensive position. He charged first.


    The boys will like that.


    ¡°AUREATTTTTTEEEEEEEE¡±

 Legacy

    Dranar reined in the mule and climbed down from the cart. His legs still ached though it had already been three days since the fighting. His Chimera no longer healed as it used to, though that was partly his fault he supposed. He led the way now, guiding the animal through the fields. The ground was rocky by the cliffs, unsuitable for farming or homes. It did offer amazing views, however. The city was still visible behind him, even in the fading light of the day.


    The broken walls of the ancient lighthouse were a little more broken than he¡¯d remembered, but the memories of the place hadn¡¯t changed. The good times, before the mess and chaos of life took over.


    He took out a shovel from the back of the cart and began to dig. The work was hard, the ground rough and uneven. He gritted his teeth, such work should not be easy.


    The work gave him time to reflect. He began to think of Drevan, as he often did. It all began with him.


    Dranar had long ago stopped deluding himself. His ambition as much as Drevan¡¯s had been the reason for their failed uprising. He could have stopped it, helped to dissuade him from such recklessness. But he didn¡¯t, instead they had urged on each other, one more foolish than the next.


    He still remembered how New Order had came for him. He laughed bitterly, recalling how he had dismissed the threats and warnings when they¡¯d cornered him that fateful night. He was ready for all of it. Brave and loyal to the end. And then¡­.


    They had argued well. He was the new Lord of the House. He could not allow it to fall, to become extinct because of his hubrisness. He would have been the sole destroyer of his House¡¯s long and storied history and for what? His own desire for power and glory? They pointed out all the right things, why he could not allow it, why it was different for Drevan. What did he risk? Nothing. He had no manor, no House, no power, no wealth. Dranar did. He could not be foolish. So he hadn¡¯t. He¡¯d done the right thing.


    The right thing, Dranar shook his head as he heaved away another piece of the earth.


    His reward for betraying his best friend had been the demotion of his House to one of the lowest of the Forty. Overnight Dronian¡¯s manor, half its riches, and its best Household guards taken by those whom he hated and wished to dispose of.


    Alisha was right, he knew, it would have been better for him and his House had he just died there and then. Their House might have portrayed him as just a rogue fool, untied to their own beliefs. Instead, they¡¯d been made to suffer. Alisha taken from him, used to ensure he did not go back on their plans for him to betray Drevan. They had been thorough, but he had been weak. Alisha had never forgiven him, though he did not blame her. Perhaps now she might think something of him, but perhaps not.


    Alisha was the true ruler of their House, and had been for quite some time now. She had been proved right. Dranar suspected that she''d anticipated her cousins dying trying to kill Sandorn and Averan. It left her power even further undisputed. Everything she said had worked just as she¡¯d hoped. Dranar¡¯s old connections had helped to easily gain the trust of the Twins, and the New Order¡¯s display of him saving them at the walls had solidified the Twin''s belief that he could be trusted. Even wary Fenadorn had not been able to detect his betrayal. Betrayal, that has been the cornerstone of my life. A traitor, to Drevan and to his children. Two generations of great men ruined by one pitiful man.


    Dranar stopped his shoveling, he was deep enough. Climbing up out of the hole he¡¯d created he lay the shovel down and took out the first of the tightly wrapped bundles. He paused before he lowered it into the grave.


    He would have made a great King. Even greater than Drevan. He had the temperament and ferocity to truly revive the line.


    The boy had derailed the New Order at every turn, repeatedly going beyond their expectations to destroy their well-thought-out plans and intentions. The King Aureate would have defeated the New Order, had it not been for him. He would have been loved by the people. a King in name, appearance, and nature. His only mistake had been his trust in Lord Dranar Dronian. He alone contrived to thwart everything he had worked so hard for. He would have made a great king.


    Climbing back up Drevan had to hoist the second bundle onto his back to carry it. Even still he almost fell trying to lower it down so big was the size of the head, for that was all that remained of him now.


    Averan had been a little more like Drevan. Fire and power, strength and impulse.


    Dranar had experienced plenty in his life, seen and heard a great deal. But nothing could have ever prepared him for what Averan¡¯s chimera had been like at the end. The Beast was big yes, and Averan fierce and deadly in Battle. Powerful enough to best any foe, even Lord Asral himself. But when Averan had ceded control and let the Beast take over, for it was plainly clear that it was exactly what had happened, it was evident from the way the Chimera moved and fought, from the way it sounded and attacked. With brutal single-mindedness and an instinctive grace Dranar had never seen matched in a controlled Beast. When he had ceded control nothing seemed to hurt it, nothing seemed to slow it. It had tore, gored and slashed its way around the throne room, leaving four Chimeras in his wake and another dying before limping over to where the throne itself stood. It would have kept fighting then, even so badly hurt it might have continued to attack. Until Alisha¡­.


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    When he¡¯d died he had not returned to his human form. He had stayed as the Beast, Averan the young Prince had died sometime before that it seemed. When Sandorn had died perhaps. And yet. Dranar swore that something had remained. Why else would it have allowed Alisha to approach, to stand next to him? To kill it from somewhere it thought safe.


    Dranar recalled the moment of pain as the realisation came on the Beast¡¯s face, but not that of the wild Beast it should have been. Dranar had seen the young boy in that moment, a young man broken by a last and final betrayal. The Beast had quickly taken over again though, and it had died in a roar of rage and unacceptance. An animal, savage and untamed.


    Alisha had came up beside him, despite Dranar¡¯s protests she seemed to know Averan would not hurt her. The boy must have cared for her. Alisha had waited until they were side by side before she¡¯d plunged her own tail into Averan¡¯s chimera¡¯s eye. The steel tip had drove deep, deep into the skull. Dranar could see the mark it had left. Even a wild Chimera could not survive such a blow. That act had worked to gain Alisha even more favor with the New Order. For her plan and work they had promised her a restoration of the old Family Manor, and a move to the Garnet Houses.


    Everything had gone perfectly to plan. Well, almost perfectly. Dranar had heard of everything that had happened in the intervening days since the retaking of the Palace and outer city.


    Those loyal to the King had been surrounded immediately upon entering the Foutain Square. The Ballistae they had placed and hoped to ensure a lack of trouble now turned against them. When they arrived the New Order had already transformed themselves and covered every exit.


    The five ringleaders would have been tried and executed there and then had it not been for Lady Merida. The elder Lady might have looked frail but had managed to break free of her captors long enough to transform. She didn¡¯t last long, immediately struck down by a litany of bolts. However, in the confusion and with the Ballistae needing to reload Lord Panaer Parandin had managed to break free of his own shackles and make his own transformation. He had lasted long enough, tearing a path for the Lady Liniseh, Lord Yan, and Lord Cendar to escape into it before he was eventually put down. The three had fled to the palace then, and there they had each died. But for all, it was a far better death than the Executioner¡¯s axe which had awaited them.


    The New Order were in full control now. Those city guards who had sworn themselves to Aureate had proved better men than he. The Barracks stood no chance of holding out against dozens of Chimeras, yet still they had tried. Commander Wendon and the Cap had died fighting, along with most of the older Captains. It would be some time before the city guard returned to its full strength after such upheaval. Still, the outer city was theirs, just as the Inner city was theirs.


    Their power was complete now, more than ever before. After the original removal of the Kings the New Order had gained power, but many secretly harbored hatred of the newer Houses who had risen so far. But even they were now either gone completely or reduced to a nonthreat. There was no one now left to oppose them.


    Houses such as Dunedain, and Parandin would be made extinct. Many others would remain but only in name, distant cousins specially chosen would instead be placed as the Heads of Houses. People who would not question or defy the wishes of the New Order.


    Dranar finished filling up the grave. The Brothers were together at least. That was something.


    Dranar moved to the side where a single purple Clematis stood proud.


    He knelt down beside it.


    ¡°Imagine if they had taken the Twins Drevan? Was I ever more important than them? No, and nor should I have been. You tried to do what was best for you and your House, back then I tried to do what was best for me and my House. When the New Order took Alisha and threatened my House I did what was best for my House only. That meant betraying you, just as doing what was best for my House meant betraying your sons now.¡±


    Dranar sighed and looked up to the sky, ¡°Betrayal, Drevan. My life¡¯s legacy. No matter how high or how much of our former power is restored I fear it will always be my legacy. A coward and a traitor.¡±


    Dranar took out the knife from his belt. He looked at it.


    ¡°A coward and a traitor.¡± He repeated.


    He brought the knife to his neck but paused.


    No, not here. My blood would sully that which lies here. Dranar rose slowly back to his feet and began walking towards the cliff. He stopped at its edge. Another step would take him over.


    He looked back to where the man he admired most and his two sons lay.


    ¡°I am sorry Drevan. I am sorry. Now and always. Forgive me, I had no choice.¡±


    Dranar slashed the blade across his neck, with his last act he fell backwards.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he repeated as he fell.


    He knew it meant nothing.


    A coward and a traitor.

 Epilogue

    Catalina let the letter fall to the floor. She had always wondered what had become of her Brothers. Now she knew. She knew but wished with all her heart she didn¡¯t. A part of her was glad she hadn¡¯t travelled to Gorias, there was little she might have done to aid them. Yet another part rued the fact. She had missed her last opportunity to see her twin Brothers, there would be no more. She supposed they would have changed a lot by now, it had been fifteen years after all, she had only been a babe when she¡¯d been separated from them, and they only six.


    She smiled to herself. She could not count how many times she¡¯d imagined and plotted their reunion after learning the truth of her childhood.


    She did not need to imagine anymore.


    Perhaps it was better she hadn¡¯t, neither Sandorn or Averan had ever known the truth behind her disappearance. Mother had been tethering on the brink of insanity at the time, tipped almost over the edge by the death of Father. Her idea, however, to send Tron away with her to Arravale city before the others followed soon after had seemed a good one. And likely would have been had Mother not panicked and believed that to leave Gorias would only be putting Catalina at risk. To her, only by her and the boys remaining could Catalina be safe.


    So instead she had remained in Arravel, alone save for her Protector Tron and her new family. Her Brothers young as they were, informed that their little sister and Tron had been killed while at sea. From what she now knew Mother was probably right not to tell them the truth, they likely would have come to reunite with her. At least she hoped they would have. Though her childhood must have been far easier than the one they experienced.


    She was not bitter about Mother abandoning her. She had been shocked yes, angry even to learn the true nature of her family and history. But that had quickly subsided. Tron had explained it all on his deathbed, with her Mother dead thirteen years and Tron himself at the end he felt he could finally reveal the secrets he had long since held back.


    Those she had called father and mother were not her true parents, though they were of her blood. They had taken her in willingly after hearing about what had happened to Drevan, silent supporters of the line of Kings they had tried to stop him but never stopped supporting him.


    They were not Aureate¡¯s, not in name at least. But they were of the same bloodline. A great-grandson of the first King had been the Family¡¯s originator, one Lord Dasrar Florid. Wisely the Family had decided to move their wealth, slaves and power to Arravale after the very first rebellion against the Chimerean Kings. The Lords and Ladies of Florid must have seen something then that warned of future tragedy. Instead of drawing themselves into the plotting and scheming of the increasingly turbulent Houses they had taken up residence in one of the new cities of the outer lands. A fresh start, one made far easier by the abundance of wealth and soldiers the House could command. They kept their bloodline secret, no one was allowed know the abilities each member of the House possessed. They were not half man half Beasts come to conquer and take over the city through brutal force, instead, they bought and sold their way into the People¡¯s hearts and minds. In every facet of Arravale''s life, the Florid shadow loomed large, there was no part of city life they did not touch. That was real power. Allow the people to believe themselves free, allow the Lords and Ladies of the Forty to think the city vassals. Behind it all only House Florid truly decided the city¡¯s fate. They had shaped Arravale in their image, it was theirs in all ways bar name alone.


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    And what is a name? Catalina thought, It is a target, a rallying call for enemies to use to rouse and incite violence in their own name. True power came from those who held it without their subjects knowing. For how can one be deposed if they were never revealed in the first place? That was how to obtain and more importantly, keep power. By remaining anonymous.


    Aureate had become intertwined with Gorias, when the Houses of the Forty grew too powerful it was inevitable a line of Kings and Queens could not remain. Catalina understood that fact quite clearly now. She had learned from the Florid way, she saw the sagacity in it even clearer after learning of her Brother¡¯s fate. Like Father, they had failed. Though they might have won more than him with their own attempt they had failed. The Lords and Ladies who had contrived to take power from the kings had done so by clever maneuvering, shrewd politicising, and clinical timing. To take it back would require similar skills. Catalina knew her purpose was to learn those skills. And when she did, she would return to Gorias.


    The New Order had used deceit and betrayal to bring down her Family, she would do the same to bring down theirs.


    A gentle knocking on the door took Catalina from her thoughts.


    ¡°Catalina? It is almost time. Are you ready?¡±


    Catalina dropped the letter into the fireplace, the man who had sent it to her had signed his name only as The Guardian. He would have to be thanked for his work in getting such a message through to her, whoever he was.


    She dusted down her dress and looked once more in the mirror by her bedside.


    Catalina Aureate, Sister to the twins Sandorn and Averan Aureate and rightful heir to the throne.


    ¡°Yes. I am ready.¡±