《A Tale of Kingdoms, Blades, and Knights》 Birth of a Prince It was a calm night in the Monar Kingdom, the moon shining over the capital city. Many people of various races, humans, elves, draconians, etcetera gathered. All of them in a crowd gazing upon the castle that stood in the center of the capital. This was a special night after all. The king himself, Archibald Monar, walked out from a balcony overseeing the people of the Monar Kingdom. A gentle smile upon his bearded face. His green eyes and shining silver hair gleamed under the moonlight. Then, by his side the queen, Marian Monar, stood. Carrying a swaddled babe in her arms. A little girl, Silva Monar, princess and firstborn child held onto her mother''s regal blue and pink gold gown. Archibald took the baby into his arms, holding the young one up and making his voice known, "My people, the good citizens of Monar, today is a special day!" The citizens looked upon the child in awe. "For today is the birth of my son, Clyde Monar! Someday, he will be your prince! And I simply know he shall be a glorious king!" Archibald exclaimed. The citizens of Monar applauded the child, Clyde Monar, their Crown Prince of Monar. The king smiled at the people before turning to the queen and Silva. "My son...you will be great Clyde." He told the sleeping baby. Marian placed her hand upon his arm, and her other hand on the head of Silva. The queen looked into the gaze of Archibald, her lips parting, "Indeed he will Archibald. Now let us rest...I for one could do with a good sleep after that." Archibald chuckled and nodded as the royal family went back into the castle. Sixteen years later, Clyde has grown into a teenage boy. He awoke in the morning, the sun gleaming into his eyes freshly upon his awakening. As he sat up, Silva, now twenty years old and a captain of the royal guard, bursted into his room, adorned in her armor. Her long silver hair flowing behind her. Her mouth parting as her loud voice rung out, "Clyde! Wake up, darling brother! The butlers and maids have prepared us breakfast!" Clyde rubbed his eyes and stood, his bed robe slightly falling from his body, before he walked to his closet to pick an outfit. "Tell mother and father that I shall be in the dining room shortly." Clyde said, a bit groggily. Silva shrugged and walked out of his room. Clyde grabbed a pair of trousers and a tunic from his closet, adorned with white and gold designs upon a black base. He put the clothing on before placed some finely crafted black boots upon his feet. He walked to his nightstand, grabbing a comb and running it through his chrome silver hair. As he looked in the mirror, his shiny green eyes reflected back at him. "Looking quite fine as usual, Clyde." The prince said to himself, chuckling slightly. He put the comb down and went to his washroom, using basic Aqua Magic to fill the sink. He began brushing his teeth, ensuring they stay a gleaming white. Nothing short of perfect for a regal face. After his teeth were cleaned, he would pick up the basin of his sink and empty it from a window, the water entering the moat. Once again he approached his nightstand, picking up a golden headress and placing it in his hair. Finally, he was ready. He walked out of his chambers, his boots on the cobblestone floors as he went to the dining room. Upon opening the door to the room, he saw the king, queen, and Silva sitting at the table. Marian looked towards her son and gently smiled, opening her mouth, "Ah there you are, sweetheart. Please, sit and eat breakfast with us." Clyde moved to his seat and looked at his plate. Fine sausages, eggs, and bread upon his plate. He was sat next to Silva, whom was already halfway done. "So how was your morning, my children?" Archibald asked the two siblings. Silva and Clyde looked at eachother, then their father. Both opening their mouths and speaking at once, "Fine father." Archibald amusedly chuckled at his children. Marian put a hand over her mouth and tiny giggle escaping her. The king and queen were very entertained by Silva and Clyde, especially in the morning time. After breakfast, Clyde exited the dining room and almost immediately was greeted by a knight. But not just any knight, a Roundtable Knight. One of four elite soldiers whom Archibald assembled to defend Clyde and the kingdom. This one wore black steel plating over every inch of his body, and a helm that concealed everything but the red gleam of his left eye. A black cape was on his back, and strapped atop of it was a greatsword made of a similar metal to his armor. Gadius Morlen, The Black Knight.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Young Prince, it is time for your battle training with myself." Gadius stated, in his deep and gravely voice. Clyde let out a small sigh, "Do I have to this morning..." Gadius looked down at him, the gleaming red amongst the darkness of the visor already answering Clyde''s question. A few moments later, Clyde and Gadius were in the training yard, where knights were taught how to fight. Clyde had some basic metal plates put over his tunic and a custom longsword forged specifically for him. A magical gem in the center of the hilt. Gadius drew his greatsword, able to hold the colossal sword in one hand. The black plume of his helmet and the dark cape blowing in the outdoor wind. Clyde held his sword and a shield in his offhand, standing at the ready. He would nod to Gadius, signaling he was ready. Almost instantly, Gadius swiftly moved towards him, his movement somehow unimpeded even with such heavy armor on. Even after many sessions against Gadius, Clyde was still taken aback each time. Gadius raised the large sword and began plunging it down. Clyde rolled out of the way as it did, getting back on his feet away from Gadius. He raised his blade, the magical gem glistening. "Ignis Bolt!" Clyde yelled, casting an arrow of fire from the blade of his sword. The arrow hit Gadius, however the knight had raised his arm, preventing a proper hit. And the durable plating of the armor absorbed the impact. Gadius immediately moved and grabbed Clyde by the collar and moved his blade atop Clyde''s head. "And if this were a true battle, you would have been felled right then and there. We end the session for today." Gadius said, dropping Clyde to his feet and placing his blade upon his back. Clyde sighed in disappointment, he hadn''t gotten close to even chipping Gadius'' armor once in all their training sessions. But his sigh was swiftly interrupted by another Roundtable Knight approaching. A skinnier man with a handsome face, one that was always displayed. He wore a silver steel armor with a blue cloth around his neck and shoulders. Several dragon designs on part of the plating. On his back was a glaive that was forged to be capable of harming dragons. Ogrin Norvel, the Dragon Hunter. Ogrin had a smug expression, something that resulted from his large ego as a result of his position. Opening his mouth to Clyde, "Hello there, Prince Clyde. How is thy day so far." Clyde looked up at Ogrin and sighed, "As usual, cannot even land an actually damaging hit upon Gadius..." Ogrin nodded, a rare considerate expression worn on his face. Clyde was one of the few Ogrin didn''t wear his egotistical mask around, rarely anyhow. Clyde and Ogrin then went back into the castle, Ogrin taking Clyde to the special pens. Clyde grabbed two large pieces of raw beef, tossing one piece into each of the two large enclosures. Feeding each of his two dragon pets, the Ice Dragon Dal''Yasaad and the Fire Dragon Kul''Miraag. Dragons that Ogrin hunted down and tamed for Clyde when he was a younger boy, who had an especially prominent fascination with dragons, wyverns, and wyrms. "Open the bars if you would, Ogrin." Clyde told the knight, Ogrin nodding and pulling the mechanism to let Dal''Yasaad and Kul''Miraag out. The two dragons went to Clyde, both docile and clearly fond of the prince. Dal''Yasaad''s blue reptilian eyes looking softly at Clyde. The prince scratched Dal''Yasaad''s large chin. The rough green scales of Dal''Yasaad feeling solid under his hands, but Clyde was accustomed to it. Kul''Miraag lowered its head, the yellow eyes looking at the boy. Clyde extended his other hand to pat Kul''Miraag''s red scales. "Good boys. Now, return to your enclosures. You will get to fly out tomorrow." Clyde gently spoke to the two. They dragons turned and went into their separate enclosures. Ogrin closed up the pens and directed Clyde to head for the castle''s magical study room. Clyde walked up some stairs, down some halls and through some doorways, to the room. In it he met the last two Roundtable Knights. One was a woman in steel armor that was magically dyed a pink color, her long blonde hair tied in a bun. On her head was a pink witches hat, which bolsters the power of one''s magic. She looked to Clyde with a smile upon her face, perfectly gorgeous in all ways. In her hands a wand with a magical gem slotted in to increase its power. Her name, Alicia Bloomwater, the Archmage. Reading a book in the corner of the room was an elven man, his pointed ears and medium length ginger hair the first features most see. He wore a leather outfit with a few plates of steel for armor. On his back a bow and a quill of arrows, aswell as a green cloak. He had a few wrinkles on his face, which is to be expected due to his hundred years of age. He was middle aged by elf standards. His name, Heinrich Elvoss, the Elven Archer. "Greetings Clydey! I see Ogrin told you that I had some magic lessons planned for this day!" Alicia exclaimed, enthusiasm in every facet of her speech. Clyde nodded, his lips parting to answer, "Indeed he did, Alicia. I want to know more than base Ignis and Aqua Magic if you could." Alicia nodded running off to get some books. Heinrich stepped from the corner, closing his book and looking at Clyde, "Young one, are you prepared for the siege on the northern barbarian Kingdom tomorrow?" Clyde looked at Heinrich and his gaze answered the elf''s question. "Of course Heinrich. They stole an artifact from the Tombs of Formido, the ancient burial sight that is in our territories. Besides, they have been pillaging many trade carriages from our kingdom and endangering Monar citizens. Believe me, I am ready to accompany the four of you on the backs of Dal''Yasaad and Kul''Miraag." Clyde told Heinrich, a determination in the young prince''s eyes. Heinrich smiled and nodded, walking off to resume his reading. Many hours later, in the night time, Clyde had changed into his night robe. Heading for sleep. He would need it. The following day would be full of preparation for himself and the four Roundtable Knights, plus the time it takes to saddle up Dal''Yasaad and Kul''Miraag. He laid in his bedsheets, looking to the ceiling of his bedchambers. Tomorrow would be the first time he would leave Monar or accompany the Roundtable Knights. Tomorrow night, he would join in a siege on the northern barbarian kingdom, that had endangered the people of Monar and stolen from a tomb on the Monar land. Siege Upon Northern Barbarians Darkness, a night where no stars were viewable in the skies and no moon was shining down. Just darkness. Cold darkness. It was a silent night, other than the Barbarian Kingdom itself. Within the kingdom was a celebration of successful raids and pillaging, for each sip of mead they took they commemorated a life extinguished. Amidst the ceremony, the king of the barbarians, Balthazar Vork, held a mummified organ, heart like in shape. With a few spikes attached. Almost like a draconic heart in that manner. In the tips of his fingers, the large and hairy man examined the organ. "Now why would Monar care so much on an organ." Balthazar asked himself. He looked on at the festivities, the alcohol being downed, the food being devoured, and all that one would expect from a merry celebration. Balthazar raised his pint of mead into the air, which all the party goers did in turn. Balthazar grinned in a menacing manner, spreading his lips, "My pillagers! Today we celebrate a successful pillaging of artifacts from the Tombs of Formido that the Monar care so much about! Shame we lost the other three artifacts to other kingdoms wanting whatever laid there but-" "My king!" A barbarian exclaimed, interrupting the speech of Balthazar. Balthazar glared at the man, "For what reason would you interrupt my speech!?" The barbarian opened his mouth but before he could speak, fire came from above, crashing into the chamber. Many barbarians were crushed under the roof that fell down onto them. Balthazar coughed into his hand, before pocketing the organ and running out of the chamber. Balthazar looked to the night sky and saw two dragons flying over the kingdom. Just as one blew fire towards more structures within the kingdom, the other shot ice down to another part. Then, his gaze fell the backs of the dragons. On the back of the fire-breather, he saw a man with a glaive and a man with a greatsword. And on the ice dragon, a woman with a wand and witch hat, an elf with a bow. And, most importantly, the one that gave away the identity of the assailant to him, the young prince Clyde Monar, and the Monar bloodline''s signature silver hair and green eyes on him. Balthazar clenched his fists, he grabbed a warhorn and blew, alerting his soldiers. And as soldiers got into position, arrows began to fly towards the two dragons, Dal''Yasaad and Kul''Miraag. Gadius on the back of Kul''Miraag, alongside Ogrin, jumped off of the red dragon. "Did you cast Aero Magic to make our descent non-lethal?" Ogrin asked Gadius. The Black Knight let out a grunt, affirming that he did. Ogrin smirked and the pair crashed onto the barbarian soldiers. "Charge!" One barbarian yelled, as all of the melee fighters ran in. Ogrin looked at Gadius, and the red gleam of Gadius'' eye met Ogrin. The two nodded at each other and ran in. Gadius impaled a man on his blade, the viscera of said man flying to the sky with the violent method with which Gadius pulled it from the barbarians body. Then, with a broad slash, several more were cleaved in half. By Gadius. Arrows began to rain down, but Ogrin moved with enough speed to break each one before they hit. A larger barbarian wielding a greataxe roared out, sprinting towards Gadius. As the barbarian''s axe crashed down, Gadius held his blade up to block it. As Gadius blocked the greataxe, Ogrin dug his glaive into the back of the barbarian. The large man yelled and lost some of his grip, allowing Gadius to deflect the axe. With swiftness, the arm holding the greataxe was removed from the barbarian. As he began to roar out in pain, Gadius shoved the tip of his greatsword into the mouth of the man, forcing his head to the ground and cutting it in half. As the top half of the man''s head rolled to Ogrin''s feet, he smirked. "Another well done victory, don''t you think Gadius?" Ogrin jested. Gadius let out a grunt, looking up towards the archers. As they readied more arrows, suddenly a few of them were pierced through the brain by arrows from the back of Dal''Yasaad. They were from Heinrich''s bow. The elf himself descended from the back of Dal''Yasaad, landing on another archer. As the archer moved his hand to grab a dagger, Heinrich snapped his neck with a foot.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. All the remaining archers pointed to Heinrich, they drew back the strings of their bows to eliminate the Elven Archer. But, before they could, they felt heat reach the air. "IGNIS BALL!!!" The words wrung out from the back of Dal''Yasaad, formed on Alicia''s tongue. The orb of fire incinerating all of the archers below. Alicia floated down to Gadius and Ogrin with her Aero Magic, Heinrich leaping down to join them. The four looked up to the sky as Dal''Yasaad began to land. Once the dragon did, Clyde hopped off of Dal''Yasaad''s back and it took for the skies once more. Clyde walked over to the four knights. "So where is Balthazar. We need to find whatever he took from the Tombs of Formido." The young prince would ask the four. Almost as if in reply, Balthazar approached with a broadsword, and moved to attack Clyde. But Gadius grabbed the man''s arm, breaking it with ease. Balthazar yelled in pain, stumbling back. "ARGH YOU BLOODY- URGH!!!" Balthazar let loose as he felt the pain. Clyde approached and inspected Balthazar''s person, finding the shriveled and mummified organ and taking it. Clyde looked at it, "This matches what we were told was taken..." Heinrich gazed upon it himself, nodding in agreement. Gadius raised his blade and with it he cleanly removed Balthazar''s head. Clyde held the organ, before using his free hand to call down Dal''Yasaad and Kul''Miraag. However before he could let out the whistle, a voice reached the ears of the prince and his knights. "I will be taking that." The words rang out from a cryptic voice, one that sounded like words had not left the throat of that which they came from for a millennia. All five of them, Clyde, Gadius, Ogrin, Alicia, and Heinrich, each gazed in the direction of the words. And the each saw a masculine figure, adorned his silver armor that looked derelict and decrepit. A helmet that blocked any view of their face, and a black hood attached to a tattered cloak over their shoulders. Gadius moved forward, "And whoever might you be-" Before he could finish, the figure appeared in front of him, "Volt Stun." Volt Magic erupted from the palm of the figure, electrocuting and stunning Gadius. Ogrin swiftly moved in, only to be grabbed by the figure. The hands on Ogrin''s neck tightening. "Aqua Bubble." The voice of the figure chanted, creating a ball of water around Ogrin. Locking the man in place. Alicia began to cast, however the figure looked dead at her and their cryptic words chanted, "Mute." Alicia''s words had no volume, no meaning as the Mute spell canceled her voice temporarily. Heinrich stood in front of Clyde but was swatted away in an instant. Clyde drew his custom longsword and pointed it to the chest of the figure, a threat to stay back. The figure wrapped their fingers around the blade, gripping it as viscous black blood trickled down from their palm. Swiftly, then moved the blade and chopped Clyde in the neck, knocking out the young prince. The figure let go of the blade and picked up the mummified organ, gazing upon it as they held it in their hand. "My master...I have found one of the four." The figure said, seemingly to nobody. Heinrich crawled from where he had been knocked toward, approaching the figure. "Just what in the hells are you- Wait that armor...it is just like those three corpses in those three coffins the Tombs...but one was empt-" Heinrich said, however the figure looked at Heinrich and cut him off. "Why, you can simply call me Maurum Vex...and my resemblance to my fellow Knights of Formido, laid in the tomb of my fallen nation, is by no means a coincidence." The figure, Maurum, stated. Maurum would once again let his voice out, "My master will enjoy meeting you lot. Mayhaps we shall meet again." Maurum would walk away slowly, before dissapearing into the fires that surrounded the Barbarian Kingdom. His magic wore off, releasing the other three knights. "That man...he must have resided in the fourth coffin in the Tombs of Formido..." Heinrich stated, shock in his voice. Gadius nodded, having overheard Maurum whilst he was stunned. Alicia sighed, "And we are not closer to having that artifact back, with more questions about who the hells that was!" Ogrin patted her shoulder, calling down Dal''Yasaad and Kul''Miraag. Alicia picked up Clyde, who began to come to within her arms. "What happened..?" The boy asked Alicia, who replied in turn, "From what I gather...he is tied to Formido, the Lost Kingdom...and the bodies within the Tombs...he has the organ Clyde..." Clyde sighed, imagining having to explain this to his father, mother, and Silva. Alicia carried him onto Dal''Yasaad''s back, as the other three went on Kul''Miraag. One thing remained on Clyde''s mind as Dal''Yasaad took to the air. What the hell is going on with the Tombs of Formido. Meeting Of Kingdoms Days after the siege, Clyde was reading a bunch of historical texts and scrolls, searching for a mention of Formido and it''s past. He had learned from Heinrich the identity of Maurum, however he also wished to know what kind of power could reanimate a corpse from a thousand year old tomb. He was nose deep in one of such texts, when Silva barged in. "Clyde, father has invited the High Mage, as well as the royalties of the Draken and Lustre Kingdoms are visiting as well." Silva told Clyde, pulling him from his book. Clyde flailed a bit and looked at Silva, opening his mouth to protest, "Unhand me this instant I need to study this!" However, it fell upon deaf ears as Silva continued to drag him. Eventually, the siblings arrived in the meeting chamber. Upon looking in, he saw his two best friends. The prince of the Draken Kingdom, Stone Draken. A seventeen year old devilkin boy, with a pointed tail and two horns upon his head. His skin a dark purple hue much like his eyes. Aswell as the prince of the Lustre Kingdom, Ashton Lustre. A sixteen year old human boy much like Clyde, his white hair styled in intricate dreads. He had grey eyes and dark skin. Ashton saw Clyde and smiled running over and opening his mouth, "Greetings Clyde! I have not seen you in a few months, my friend!" Stone walked over and moved his black hair out of his eyes. "Indeed. Ashton and I have not met with you in many moons." The prince of the Draken told to Clyde. Clyde nodded, agreeing with his two friends. All of a sudden, Stone got a smirk on his face, "You know Clyde, my friend, Victoria is with me and my parents ''ere~" Clyde''s cheeks turned rosy, Victoria Draken was Stone''s sister, who was sixteen like Clyde. The Monar boy had a crush on Victoria, so the news she was here caused him to become flustered. Then, a high pitched, sweet, and lovely sounding voice reached Clyde''s ears, "Oh Clyde! Hello! It has truly been an age!" Clyde turned and saw her, Victoria. Her hair was dark black and medium length, her horns short by with golden decorations on them. Her light purple skin and eyes practically glistening to Clyde. Her tail wrapped around Clyde''s arm as she hugged him. "I have missed seeing you since my last visit!" Victoria exclaimed, her fondness for Clyde gleaming through. "H-hello Victoria...M-missed you as well..." Clyde responded. Stone and Ashton laughed at the pair of them. Soon though, the merriment was ceased when Archibald Monar cleared his throat taking all attention. Then, he pointed to the High Mage of Dragon''s Heart, Lucius Merlonius. Lucius stood from his seat, his lips parting, "According to the siege on Balthazar''s barbarian kingdom several days ago, a knight resembling the three bodies within the Tombs of Formido known as Maurum Vex showed himself. As well as taking a mummified draconic heart that was one of four artifacts stolen from the Tombs." Lucius paused, to catch his breath and look over all present. He continued, "These four artifacts that were stolen from the Tombs and are now each held by different persons and nations, all tie into a legend from a millennia ago. The Tale of Formido. Long ago, the God of Order, Marq, was slain, and thus to keep order he poured chaos and calamity into the egg of the Dragon Queen. The egg was moved to the kingdom of Formido, where it hatched into a Dragon God of Calamity known as Marlixus the Dread. He had four knights of Formido at his side, and when all the gods sealed him, they split his body into four pieces. The heart, mind, and eyes."Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Once again, Lucius took a pause. Clyde leaned forward slightly. He rose his hand, "So Maurum would be a ressurected knight of Formido. Then does that mean the heart he took was..." Lucius cut Clyde off, answering before the prince finished, "Marlixus'' heart. This ''Maurum Vex'' most likely seeks to unseal Marlixus by rebuilding his body. This also means that the other body parts, held in the Monster Kingdom, Sol Kingdom, and Dilapi Kingdom are places Maurum could appear." Archibald raised an eyebrow. "You are aware of where the remaining three body parts of this Marlixus are?" The king of Monar asked. Lucius looked to Archibald. "Indeed I do, King Archibald. I witnessed which kingdoms attacked the thieving barbarians, and those three are the culprits. They left Balthazar with the heart, but they all have the other three." Lucius would answer. Gadius, who was stood with the other Roundtable Knights in the corner of the meeting chamber, spoke up, "I shall nominate myself and my fellow Roundtable Knights of Monar to track these body parts down." Archibald nodded, "I believe that is the best option, none here can object to the skill of you four." Lucius rubbed his chin, before opening his mouth in response, "I believe so as well." Lucius'' blue eyes darted to Clyde who had stood up and planted his palms on the meeting table. "I shall join them! To make up for my failure in obtaining the heart! Besides, I will be king of Monar someday...so I must learn to man up and fight for my people!" All eyes in the room fell upon Clyde. The Roundtable Knights clearly agreed to taking Clyde with, even without saying. A flash of pride entered the eyes of Archibald, and Marian beside him. Silva actually looked impressed with Clyde, he rarely got motivated in such a way. Stone and Ashton smiled towards their friend. "THAT''S A FUTURE KING RIGHT THERE!!!" The two said simultaneously. All others in the room were awestruck. Victoria as well, but a tiny purple flush went on her cheeks. In that moment her heart felt a flutter that she hadn''t experienced ever before. Clyde is so cool she thought to herself. She had always had a crush on Clyde herself, but this just reaffirmed to her why. Lucius stood and left, clearly viewing his purpose as done here. Soon other visiting royals began to leave. The Drakens were the last to leave, but Victoria approached Clyde fore she left. "Clyde, I think it takes some real bravery to put yourself on the line like that. Good luck." Victoria told Clyde. The prince flushed a bit, and before he could reply he felt Victoria peck his cheek before she ran off with her family. Clyde practically short circuited, his entire face becoming red. Stone smirked and gave Clyde a thumbs up as he turned a corner. Hours later, Clyde was in bed. Thinking to himself. Tomorrow, he and the Roundtable Knights would set out. To recover the body parts of some deity named Marlixus. He turned on his side and closed his eyes. Readying himself for the days to come. Arrival At Dilapi Clyde and the Roundtable Knights were traveling to the Dilapi Kingdom first, in the back of a royal carriage. Clyde had his interests diverted to a book about the Dilapi Kingdom, seeking to learn their society and customs. He had spent four hours of the trip reading up, his knowledge on Dilapi more refined. Dilapi is a kingdom with Necro Magic in every single centimeter of its bounds. It''s citizens are all undead, such as skeletons, zombies, ghouls, and mummies. The kingdom is governed by the Lich King Girzem. Clyde exhaled, engaging in diplomacy with a lich was not what he or any other would define as simple. He looked around the carriage, seeing the four Roundtable Knights asleep. Clyde poked his head out of the carriage, the air cold, dead. And over the horizon in the grey sky, was the outline of the Dilapi Kingdom. "Knights, wake! We are nearly at the Dilapi Kingdom!" Clyde yelled, succeeding in rousing the knights from their slumbers. Gadius fixed his helmet upon his head, Ogrin wiped some sleep from his eyes, Alicia yawned and stretched, and Heinrich wiped drivel fron his lips. Several minutes later, the horses pulling the carriage stopped, the one handling the reigns calling for the five in the back, "Oi Prince Clyde! We have arrived!" Clyde and the knights quickly exited the carriage. The prince took some gold coin from his pockets and placed it in the palm of the carriage driver. He then approached the gate, the Roundtable Knights sticking behind him. A large skeleton stood on guard in front of the entrance to the kingdom. It''s jaw chattered as it began to speak, "Well ''ello there. What business might one such as yourself have in the Dilapi Kingdom. Domain of the Lich King, Girzem?" Clyde looked up into the skeletons hollow eye sockets. "I am Clyde Monar. I sent a message to Girz- Ahem Lich King Girzem for an audience with him. It arrived hours fore we had. It was sent by Licht Dove." The skeleton raised its hand, a list of magic manifesting in front of it. It read the names on the list, finding Clyde''s. "Ah yes. The Magic Registry ''as your name right ''ere. Enjoy your visit, Prince Clyde. And make sure to treat Lich King Girzem with respect." The skeleton told Clyde, who nodded in response. The prince and his knights walked through the entryway, stepping into the necrotic streets of Dilapi. "Quite nice for a kingdom of the deceased." Gadius spoke, the other knights seemingly agreeing. Clyde kept walking, until a zombie walked up to him and put a hand on his shoulder. The knights reached for the respective weapons, however then the zombie spoke, "Hello hello! You look like you got money with which you''d part! Care to buy some or my stock?" Clyde grabbed the zombies wrist and gently moved his hand from his shoulder. "Maybe another time, hm?" Clyde said, the zombie looking disappointed but not stirring trouble. The undead walked back to a stand nearby, sitting in a stool. The Roundtable Knights eased up, resuming their walking behind Clyde once the prince got going again. As they all strolled, Clyde took in the sights of the undead citizens bartering with one another. Skeletons selling products to zombies, ghouls purchasing rotten and expired flesh from the mummies. It was crude in many aspects, but a free society was around him.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. As he took in the noises, everyday conversations between undead caught his attention. He overheard a skeleton man discussing his zombie bride, a ghoul and a zombie going out for drinks at a tavern, and a mummy chatting with a skeleton about what his favorite corpse wax candles were. Such mundane things, yet they spoke with the same enthusiasm as people of the Monar Kingdom did. People enjoying their lives, or more accurately afterlives. "A kingdom literally built on corpses, with said corpses populating the streets...yet they are not so different from the many peoples of home." Clyde said to himself. Ogrin overheard, his lips parting, "I sure would say so. It is truly impressive that undead function just like the living in so many ways." Alicia put a finger to her chin. A smile playing on the woman''s mouth. "It truly is marvelous in a way. How society and the whims of the people can even transcend to death." The Archmage said. Heinrich looked around with each step, his attention jumping to every detail, "Yes indeed. The deity my people worship, the Father of Nature, Barksyc, would call such things vile. Yet a prosperity of sorts dwells here." Gadius grunted, he already spoke on his impression when they first walked in. And a man of few words the Black Knight was. Clyde''s boots sloshed against the semi-muddy dirt roads, before splashing in fresh puddles as the floor swiftly transitioned to stone as the five arrived closer to the Lich King''s castle. Clyde took a deep breath, usually his father traveled out of Monar for diplomacy. However, Clyde swore not only to hunt Maurum, but to use this chance to develop into a truly worthy heir. A look of determination lit in his glowing green eyes, his chrome silver hair blowing at the slight winds within the streets of Dilapi. As they reached the drawbridge of the Dilapi Castle, a ghoul guard put his claws on Clyde''s chest, halting him. "Alright, heartbeat, I am going to need identity confirmation. Even if the bigun bone lad let ye in. Name, purpose." The ghoul snarled, pulling up the Magic Registry. Clyde exhaled and began, "I am Clyde Monar, here to speak with Lich King Girzem. I sent a letter hours before I began my way here by Licht Dove. Same as what I told the skeleton." The ghoul looked through the Registry, coming to the same conclusion as the large skeleton. It put its hand down, the Magic Registry disappearing due to the movement. It''s rotten maw opened, "You may pass. However, be wise when talking to Lich King Girzem. As I am sure you were told upon entry already." Clyde nodded in response to the ghoul. It let out a loud shriek and the drawbridge lowered. "Have a rotten day!" The ghoul exclaimed as Clyde and the knights passed by it. The boots on Clyde''s feet touching the stone floors and the metal on the Roundtable Knights'' armor clamoring echoed throughout the eery halls. Finally, they reached two large doors with skull decoration upon them. With a deep breath, Clyde opened the door. "Lich King Girzem, I, Crown Prince Clyde Monar, have come to speak." The Lich King The cold dead air within the throne room immediately hit Clyde, Gadius, Ogrin, Alicia, and Heinrich as soon as the large doors opened. Clyde visibly shivered upon feeling the deathly chill. His green eyes immediately darted to the throne. The gaze of the prince falling upon the one who sat upon it. The Lich King Girzem himself. His empty blue eyes already locking onto Clyde, a stoic expression upon his pale skinned face. Long grey hair sat still upon his scalp, no luster within the locks of the lich, his pointed ears sticking out from the sides of it. The armor he wore over everything beneath his neck was a silver color with blue accents. And in his left hand was the pommel of his dark blade, a legendary greatsword known as the Undead Goddess'' Soul. Girzem shifted slightly in his throne, in his right hand was a large red gemstone. His armored fingers ran over the gem. Soon, his lips would part, the cold voice of the Lich King addressing Clyde, "Monar''s Child. The Crown Prince. I received your letter for discussion. And, given recent circumstances I heard of, I understand what about." Clyde felt chill sweat run down his forehead. The young boy wiped his brow and stepped closer to Girzem''s throne. "Lich King Girzem, I am here to request the return of that gem." Clyde stated, his eyes and Girzem''s still locked onto the other. Girzem narrowed his eyes. "You know of the nature this object has yes. A body part of a forgotten god." The lich stated. Clyde quickly parted his lips, "How do you know of its nature?" Girzem stood, looking down on Clyde. "My goddess told me. As avatar of the Necromancy Goddess, Nethrill, she told me of its origin. So, is it not more beneficial to keep these body parts separate? Is it not wise to prevent the corpse pieces of the Dread Marlixus away from each other?" Girzem proclaimed to Clyde. "But surely you have also heard one of the knights of Formido is walking across Dragon''s Heart." Clyde retorted. Girzem stepped closer, dropping the Undead Goddess'' Soul from his left hand. "I have. But what power does a ressurected corpse from Formido have compared to the Lich King and the might of the Goddess of Necromancy. Naught any at all." Girzem said with a firm voice. Clyde stepped forward in turn, "Has it never occurred to you that whatever power the ressurected Maurum Vex may possibly have given him the power to ensure the means to his end!?" "Perhaps, however you fail to realize if we returned these to the Monar, they would all lurk in one location!" Girzem snapped back at the young prince. Immediately Clyde clenched his fists, "Yes but we would have the backing of an entire army against Maurum! And, if we form an alliance, you can still stop Maurum in another way." Girzem exhaled, dead breath blowing through the air. Then, another voice joined the conversation, an ethereal womanly voice, "An alliance? Yet, what of Maurum would justify such a notion." The Roundtable Knights who remained silent the entire time looking for the source. Then, a glowing green projection manifested besides Girzem, a woman with a long cloth around her waist and skeletal armor around her torso. Long black hair cascading down her entire back and empty white eyes on her face. The Goddess of Necromancy, Nethrill, in an ethereal display of her form. Clyde''s eyes widened at the sight of the deity. "Frankly the idea a mortal brought to life could threaten anything related to I is simply hilarious boy." Nethrill stated matter of factly. Clyde was shaken by a presence like Nethrill''s, however he needed to retrieve the gem to prevent Maurum from having it.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. "Stopping Maurum from getting the gem is important. And what would be harder for him to reach it through, an army, or a single lich." The prince stated. Girzem opened his dead lips, "That is only if Maurum has some greater power to him. If not, stopping him will be child''s play-" Suddenly, the gem was pulled from Girzem''s right hand by an invisible force, a familiar voice for Clyde and the Roundtable Knights rang out, cryptic in nature, "Such a cute discussion." Then, from thin air, Maurum Vex appeared. In his hand, an empty bottle for an invisibility potion. The familiar armor before them immediately getting the knights to draw their weapons. Girzem called the Undead Goddess'' Soul to his left hand, the ethereal projection of Nethrill turning to Maurum. "WHAT INSOLENCE IS THIS!?!" The Lich King yelled towards Maurum. The knight let out a dry laugh before inspecting the gem. "Well, simply put, it was a potion. Now, I have two. And halfway through the process of collecting my master''s body parts. The Heart of Marlixus, and the Right Eyegem of Marlixus are in my possession." Clyde ran at Maurum, "Unhand that now, Vex!" Maurum swiftly kicked Clyde in the gut, immediately making Gadius rush at Maurum. Then, black mist with crackling red and orange energy seeped from Maurum''s helm, displacing the stones on the ground, blocking Gadius. "What is this." Gadius stated. Maurum began to walk away as if it was a normal day, "The Mists of Calamity, the power my master granted me to ensure his ressurection. The revived knight put the eyegem into a pouch on his armor. Girzem teleported behind Maurum, swinging the Undead Goddess'' Soul at Maurum''s head. Immediately the knight blocked it with the silver longsword on his back. "Necro Pari-" Girzem began to cast, however Maurum immediately grabbed the Lich King''s jaw. "Ignis Stream." Maurum said in a cold tone, a stream of flames propelling Girzem into his throne. The Roundtable Knights all aimed attacks at Maurum at once, but using the mist coming from his helm, the stones the made the castle blocked them off from Maurum. Nethrill stood still, rage bubbling on her projection. "Girzem! That was pathetic! You let him take it so easily!" The goddess shrieked. Clyde held his gut, looking at Nethrill, "Considering that alliance now?" Nethrill glared, before sighing. "Maurum Vex holds half the pieces of Marlixus. And after that pathetic display, I suppose you need all the possible help. Girzem, send word the Dilapi Kingdom shall ally with the Monar." Nethrill said. Girzem nodded at the last part of Nethrill''s statement. Getting up to write a letter. Clyde looked to the Roundtable Knights. "That was pathetic." Gadius said. Ogrin glanced around, "In every conceivable way, yes." Alicia traced her fingers over the crystal in her staff. "And now half the pieces are in that creatures possession." Heinrich rubbed his eyes, not chipping in his own statement about how that went, rather looking to Clyde. "My prince, we must leave immediately. Arrival at the Sol Kingdom as we planned to go after Dilapi must be achieved as soon as possible. Maurum cannot be allowed to win this race of sorts." Heinrich told Clyde, the prince visibly agreeing. As the five walked out of the castle, something in the back of Clyde''s mind told him that maybe he would find Maurum on his way out, but never did he. Maurum was already gone. Now, the group needed to reach their next destination immediately. Lest Maurum Vex achieve his mission. Interruptions On The Path Clyde and the Roundtable Knights were in a carriage, heading for the Monster Kingdom. Clyde sought to strike an alliance with the Monster King and obtain the body part which he had. Time was of the essence, for if they were not quick enough, Maurum would certainly be there already, taking the body part and succeeding in his mission. Clyde sighed and went to front of the carriage, sitting beside the man steering the horses pulling it along. Suddenly, a loud scream echoed throughout the empty wetlands that surrounded the current path it took to go to the Monster Kingdom from Dilapi. Suddenly, from atop a rock emerged a figure. Humanoid in shape, yet with that tail of a fish, and the head of a piranha. It''s eyes a yellow color, sharp teeth in its mouth. It''s fingers and toes were webbed, along with some spines along the back. It was dressed in a garb adorned with shells, bones, and dried out guts. Clenching a ritual spear in its right hand, it let out another identical yell to the one before. Soon, many identical creatures emerged from pools of water in the soggy wetlands. Though, they had less decorations on them. Clyde looked on, he exclaimed loudly, "Who are you!?" The one on the rock leapt down, infront of the carriage and cutting the reigns that kept the horses around. It''s tail swishing behind it. "I am Chieftain Kl¨ªmaka! We are the Mercine! Loyal followers o'' the Deep Sunken One, the Eldritch Sleeper! Cthulhu!" The fishman exclaimed. Mercine? Clyde thought, the name was familiar. He had studied on them when he was a few years younger. The Mercine were a tribal people, worshipping various gods. And here stood a tribe, worshipping the Primordial Dreamer Cthulhu. Clyde parted his lips, "Cthulhu? How can you worship one whose very magic destroys minds. That few can comprehend?" Kl¨ªmaka let out a visceral laugh, his toothy gnashers moving with his jaws as he boomed heartily. "Yes, Paid¨ª Gis, Cthulhu''s magic is insanity inducing, but I am a chosen of Cthulhu! I can wield his magics to an extent no other but the Sunken Lord can!" Kl¨ªmaka stated. The Roundtable Knights exited the carriage. Heinrich stepped forwards, approaching Kl¨ªmaka. "Tell me, why are you here Th¨¢lassa Aderf¨¦." The elf said. Kl¨ªmaka looked surprised, "You speak our tongue, Myter¨¢ Afti¨¢. Impressive." A smirk then appeared on Kl¨ªmaka''s piranha esque face. "If you must know, me and my Th¨¢lassa Aderf¨¦ are here because Lord Cthulhu''s voice brought me here. Clyde Monar, our lord wishes for us to bring you aid, for Marlixus is a nuisance with which he wants not to deal." Kl¨ªmaka told the prince, ignoring Heinrich. Clyde''s eyes widened, before a cautious expression took him. He opened his mouth and loosed his thoughts, "Cthulhu wants to ally with Monar..." Kl¨ªmaka approached, before Gadius pressed his left hand on Kl¨ªmaka''s chest to halt him. "Yes, Paid¨ª Gis, our lord wishes we ally. So, let us ally shall we." Kl¨ªmaka said, holding out a palm that Cthulhu''s maddening eldritch magics ran through, to strike the alliance.Stolen novel; please report. "Young Prince, while allegiance with the forces of an incomprehensible entity may sound appealing, you must be cautious in dealings." Gadius said while looking at Clyde. Clyde nodded, looking to Kl¨ªmaka. "No need for the shake...simply fight by our side should we fail...yes?" Clyde offered. The Mercine Chieftain rubbed his scaled chin. His response was simple, "Very well, Paid¨ª Gis, on day of battle we shall battle by your side." Kl¨ªmaka raised his spear, the other Mercine looking up and yelling in their native tongue. "We celebrate a beautiful allegiance with the ¨¢nthropoi! Clyde Monar, celebrate with us in Cthulhu''s name!" Kl¨ªmaka yelled loudly. Clyde nervously began to sputter out, "S-sorry...but w-we are in a t-tad bit of a rush-" Yet, he was cut off by the Chieftain, "Nonsense! You can spare some! Celebration can happen anytime!" That night, instead of travel like he wanted, Clyde was sat in a Mercine village with the Roundtable Knights within the Cthulhu worshippers'' wetland home. The Mercine sang songs in a language only one such as Heinrich, who had learned the language over his last century of existence, understood. Clyde watched and several danced, many dueled. And they all would feed. "Such a peculiar place, but the folks know how to have a good time!" said Ogrin, somewhat enjoying himself. Before long after that, Kl¨ªmaka grabbed Clyde and brought him before an alter. "This, Paid¨ª Gis, is where lord Cthulhu sings to me." Kl¨ªmaka told Clyde. The young prince gazed upon it. A sense of curiosity in him. It was a crude alter, not really refined or divine in look. Kl¨ªmaka parted his jaws to loose more words, "It was here I learned where to seek you from Lord Cthulhu. Now, where are you heading for next, Paid¨ª Gis?" Clyde looked away from the alter and back to the Mercine Chieftain. His green eyes locking with Kl¨ªmaka''s fisheyed yellow. "Me and my knights are on route for the Monster Kingdom, Chieftain. We are behind due to your interruption however." Clyde answered. The Mercine nodded, before letting out a loud call, suddenly from a pool in the wetlands surrounding them, two horse like animals sprung up, but they had fish features similar to the Mercine. "These are Hippocampus. The stallions of the seas with which my Th¨¢lassa Aderf¨¦ and I ride to foreign land, travel across the gi. They will pull the carriage that we severed your steeds from. Much faster too." Kl¨ªmaka announced. Clyde looked surprised, but grateful. "Thank you Chieftain Kl¨ªmaka. I am glad we shall be allies in the repellent of Marlixus'' influence." Clyde said, Kl¨ªmaka nodding in response. The two walked back to the large gathering of Mercine and the Roundtable Knights. The festivities once again upon them. The next morning, the Hippocampus were put on the reigns and handed to the man who steered the carriage. Clyde waved farewell to Kl¨ªmaka and the Mercine. Alicia was last to get onto the carriage, looking back and letting words come from her mouth, "Thank you for thine hospitality!" Kl¨ªmaka simply held up his spear and the Mercine let out yells of "hospitality" as they dubbed it. And thus, back on the path they were. To reach the Monster Kingdom, to retrieve the body part held by the Monster King before Maurum Vex. But, at least Clyde''s mind rested a tad easier, having new allies should things go awry. Kingdom of Monsters Clyde laid in the back of the carriage, sleeping under the night stars as the Hippocampus pulled it along. Gadius and Ogrin stayed up to watch over the prince as he slept. Alicia was polishing the gem on her wand, occasionally looking over Clyde much like the other two. Out front of the carriage, Heinrich sat next to the coachman of the carriage. "How much longer till we make it there?" Heinrich asked. The coachman looked towards the elf and responded, "Judging by the speeds these sea stallions are reaching, I believe we shall arrive quite soon. Maybe a hour." Heinrich nodded, looking straight forwards on the path of the carriage. The elf stood from his seat and walked into the back of the carriage. "Is he still asleep?" Heinrich asked Alicia, whom his eyes had fallen upon first. The mage nodded, a smile on her lips, "Indeed he is. So, I heard we have an hour?" Alicia questioned, and quickly Heinrich nodded to confirm. Gadius shifted slightly, but did not let out a peep. Merely showing that he had heard Heinrich. Ogrin laughed, "Not even a word from you Gadius?" Gadius did not respond, continuing to stay seated where he was. His red eye glowing the helm he wore. He looked back at Clyde''s sleeping form, extending his hand to brush a silver strand of hair from Clyde''s slumbering face. "Well I shall be damned, Gadius Morlen showing some kind of compassion." Heinrich teased. Gadius withdrew his hand and glared at Heinrich. The elf raised his hands, "Relax, twas merely jest." Gadius looked away, but did not relax. Never did. Always glum and serious, never one for comedy. After an hour had passed, the sun had slightly risen over the horizon, the light waking Clyde from his sleep. As he rose, he looked out of the carriage. In the distance, he saw the walls of the Monster Kingdom, cobbled together and mounted with spikes. Alicia was first to notice Clyde awake, her head tilting to look at him, "Good morning, Clydey. How was your rest?" Clyde peered back inside of the carriage, looking to Alicia. "It was nice. Feels good to rest my eyes, even if I had various nightmares of what may pass should Maurum succeed..." Clyde said. Alicia''s eyes softened, understanding. As she began to open her mouth, the driver interrupted what she would say. "The carriage is stopping now!" After the carriage had stopped, Clyde and the Roundtable Knights exited and began to walk forwards. As Clyde began to step closer, ahead of the others, Ogrin grabbed the collar of his garbs. "What the-" Clyde gasped, before Heinrich put a finger over the prince''s lips. The elf pointed and spoke, "That chasm there. You nearly strolled right on in my prince." The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Clyde gazed down, noticing. He gulped and stepped back. He put a hand to his chin and stroked it in thought. ''How to get across...'' the prince thought. As if to answer him, a barbaric yell came from the top of the Monster Kingdom walls, drums being beaten. A large ladder of cobbled together scrap metal was dropped across the chasm, connecting the walls to the outside. Down the ladder came a Hobgoblin, followed by some normal Goblins. "Oi you, would you ''appen to be the ''Prince Clyde Monar'' we was expectin'' would ye?" The Hobgoblin said, his voice slimy and gruff. Clyde extended a hand, his greens meeting the grotesque yellows of the Hobgoblin. "Why yes I am. Here to meet with your king, if you can believe so." Clyde spoke. The Hobgoblin slapped his hand and beckoned him to follow, "Come on then, feckshites, all five of ye take the ladder." The Roundtable Knights silently expressed disdain at the words of the Hobgoblin. Gadius especially seemed peeved, reaching for his blade. Heinrich immediately grabbed his wrist and shook his head. "No. I am aware of your disdain for them, but we mustn''t cause conflict." Heinrich softly whispered, causing Gadius to lower his arm. Following Clyde, the Roundtable Knights climbed the ladder and arrived on top of the walls. Alicia looked down, to what the walls protected. A chaotic and messy congregation of buildings that could hardly pass for a city, in the center the castle of the Monster Kingdom remained. Rubbed her arm before softly speaking, "Not exactly inviting..." Ogrin nodded and chuckled. "You were expecting the Monster Kingdom to be a grand place? Come, let us go. The prince is already headed down." The dragon hunter told Alicia. As the knights caught up to Clyde, the walked behind him as he followed the Hobgoblin and his posse. When they stepped into the proper streets, the smell of filth met their nostrils. Clyde had to hold back from throwing up vomit. The Hobgoblin was unfazed, being used to such conditions. He chuckled in his disgusting tone, "What? Don'' like the smell o'' me ''ome?" His posse cackled, their high pitched voices shrill and scratchy. Clyde and the knights remained silent, not wanting to speak to these Goblins or their leader. And after a while of walking, they stopped infront of a tavern. Clyde looked up at the bar sign and read it as the "Wolf''s Bite Tavern." Clyde then looked at the Hobgoblin, "Why are we stopping..." The Hobgoblin shrugged, picking rotten meat from his yellow teeth. "The king isn'' ready fo'' visitors quite yet, so you''re goin'' to need to waste some of yer time til he is, humie." The Hobgoblin wretched up from his vile vocal cords. Clyde wanted to try and push the urgency of his meeting, but he knew that it would be pointless reasoning with a Hobgoblin. The Hobgoblin left, set to return when it was time for the meeting, and Clyde followed by the Roundtable Knights entered the tavern. In it was a variety of monsters, all different sizes and shapes. Clyde let out a sigh and began to step towards the counter.