Cadell and Gammand set off before morning came. The tide had regressed, allowing passage. The fresh air pierced his lungs and rejuvenated him. No longer imprisoned in the place he hated, in his home that reminded him of all his failings.

  Gammand appeared sad that he had been torn away from his studies. Typical of the scholar, and Cadell couldn’t help but snicker.

  “Catching sick, Young Cadell? It is a cold morning for spring,” Gammand said.

  “Perhaps my friend. Best we make for the city, swiftly,” Cadell replied with a twinge of amusement.

  Dawn was still a ways off, but they still carried no torch, going only by their eyes adjusted to the night. No bandits would be on the road, and any wildlife that could be a threat had long learned not to approach the road connecting the city and the Keep.

  Once they had arrived in Gryfinfel, the sky had brightened to a dark gray. The smell of the countless people touched his senses, but it was a far better sensation than that of the Keep’s musk.

  As much as Cadell wished he could go visit Mia, his orders were absolute. He would bid her farewell before they left the city, however.

  Unlike Black Perch Keep, Gryfinfel was only awakening from its slumber. Of course, there were people about, but it was nothing to the extent of the fortress. Cadell set ahead with his destination in mind.

  Passing through a gate and up a hill led him to the barracks where his soldiers resided. Not only did his warriors live there, but men under other commanders. His career soldiers were only a very small fraction. A warrior Prince with only one thousand men to his name.

  Cadell grimaced, but continued forward. He held his head high and avoided the disgruntled look of those who happened to be awake. He made his way through cots to an outside courtyard. Finally, ahead of him lay a decrepit shed. Without a word, he flung the door open.

  All was silent, except the snoring of the countless Uxsons. At a table, a candle burned. A man was slumped, sound asleep. Across from him was a woman with unusually deep red hair. The rings under her eyes as she examined Cadell spoke to a lack of sleep, and the distant stare hinted at the ghosts that would not allow her rest. She smoked on a pipe half-heartedly.

  “Good morn, Nan. It appears you did not sleep well, as always,” Cadell addressed her.

  “Who could with all the morons surrounding me?” She sighed. “I take it we have a mission.”

  “Always a cheerful one,” Gammand said.

  “And you brought the old man too. It must be serious then, Prince Cadell.”

  He laughed. “Hardly. We will be accompanying Vhorn on a diplomatic mission to the Territory. I doubt we will have much trouble.”

  “Other than our usual ridicule, yes, yes.”

  “I could try to transfer you, Nan, if you’re unsatisfied.”

  “I’m your lieutenant. How would you rouse this rabble without me?”

  Gammand chortled. “Ignore her, Young Cadell. It is the simple bickering of a woman.”

  Nan snickered. “And ignore him, Prince Cadell. It is the simple nagging of the elderly.”

  At their usual banter, the chubby man awoke at the table. “Oh! Everyone, it’s Prince Cadell!”

  The man’s yell awoke their barracks. Suddenly, he was rushed by men and women, asking after his health. Others begged for him to join in games. He gleamed. This was his true home after all.

  “Hey! Give the Prince room, you’ll suffocate him. And look, you’re trampling on Gammand!” Nan ordered. Her words were heeded, and space was made. “God, I’m getting too old for this.”

  “Everyone, it warms me to see you all in good health,” Cadell said. “Though it hasn’t been long since I checked up on all of you.”

  “What can you expect, Prince Cadell. You’re our benefactor.” Nan said as she took a puff of her pipe.

  She was right, they were a ragtag group. Not the picturesque image of Uxson warriors. Ages varied, scars and missing limbs marred them. They displayed too much emotion at their leader simply meeting with them. Many would have been decommissioned without his intervention. Others were insubordinate and had risked execution before Cadell had taken them in.

  But they do not owe me anything. It is I who should be grateful. Thanks to them, I can chase my dream.

  “Thorn?” He asked.

  “Outside the city, as usual. Caring for the horses.” Nan answered.

  “Listen, everyone!” Cadell called out. “We will be going on a diplomatic mission to the Territories of Saint Eddgaar. We will likely not see combat, but this is the time to display our worth. We’ll show the Divine Hammer Vhorn that we are just as good as any regiment, if not better. Display your dignity, my soldiers!”

  They cried out in acknowledgment.

  “I’m leaving Gammand in your care, Nan. I have a few things to prepare myself. Make sure everyone is ready to leave on the morrow. And don’t forget to get all the soldiers staying with their families and the non-career warriors this time. We don’t want a mishap again.”

  She sighed. “You really should get a better second, but I’ll try my best.” She then took the reins of the meeting.

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  “But I want to accompany you, Young Cadell,”Gammand murmured under the ruckus.

  “We will spend enough time together once we depart. Besides, I need your keen senses to keep this rambunctious bunch together by the time I get back.”

  Cadell stepped into the tavern. He took a seat toward the corner of the room, wishing to go unnoticed at the moment. Having completed his other tasks, he wanted a moment of reprieve before he would have to exert himself for the foreseeable future.

  His gear had been secured, weapons cleaned, and leather and chainmail properly maintained. His soldiers would be gathering now, and he would join them. In the morning, they would set out with another small force guarding the Divine Hammer Vhorn, whose main army was already deployed holding the borders of Bardoo and the Territory.

  All preparations were complete, so he could allow himself this peace. He watched as the barmaid worked. Far more beautiful than anyone he had ever met. Not a feigned smile or energy, but genuine kindness. She was the center of his world, his dreams and hopes inflated by a simple word from her.

  Mia finally noticed him. She put her hands on her hips and gave him an admonishing look. Though she was smiling.

  “Two drinks, barmaid.” He said to her.

  She rolled her eyes and walked away. He chuckled and could barely contain his happiness. Yes, this was what life for a Uxson truly was. It was not all blood and slaughter, rape and pillage. Most who carried the axe only wanted to protect their homes.

  If only he could remind his people of the joy in the simplicity of life, then perhaps they could attain peace. It was not as if the Drajin people were blameless; they also attacked and raided. But if this so-called Promised One could unite them, then there was a possibility for a treaty.

  Mia returned with two meads and set them on the table. “Ordering a second before you’re done is against policy. So, who is the second one for, your lover?”

  “If she would join me.”

  “Well, mister, I don’t seem to see anyone around.”

  “How about you then? Won’t you join me for a drink? Seeing as you’re a beauty and all.”

  She scoffed. “I’m busy right now.” As she turned, the Mistress of the tavern waved at her to take the seat. She pivoted, displaying a half smile as she sat down.

  “I’ll have to thank the Mistress,” Cadell said.

  “She’s just a meddler. Did you get your orders?”

  “I leave on the morrow. Heading for the western Territory. It will be some time before I return.”

  “Perhaps I’ll find someone else while you’re away,” She said teasingly.

  “I don’t know what I’d do then, to lose the finest woman in Dradris.”

  “Please, Cadell, you think too highly of me. You’ll find someone fitting of your position in due time. Even if you kept me around, those around your station do not favor those like me.”

  “A child would be a blessing, though. As long as one has a little of the Dark King’s blood, they are a full royal. Besides, wouldn’t that lead to greater happiness?”

  Yes, he would protect this place. The person he loved most and the kind Mistress who treated him like an actual person. Even the patrons did not disparage him much. His world was small, but grand.

  Mia reached out and touched his face. “You talk big for someone so weak. I’ll have you make good on your promises. Return to me safely.”

  Cadell took her hand from his face and lightly pressed his lips to the soft skin.

  A heavy spring rain darkened the day. Cadell felt bad for the soldiers forced to follow him. The canopy of trees alleviated some of the distress, but whenever they were forced on the plains or open hills, he would join in their suffering.

  At least the rain was good. The ground drank greedily, and the chance of fire diminished. Unfortunately, that was not the only reason for his army’s foul mood. They had food and water and would be able to rest at night. No, it was the disrespect. Not to themselves it seemed, but the slights that were piled upon Cadell himself were oddly what seemed to offend.

  Vhorn’s guard traveled far ahead, not caring for them. It was a blessing in disguise, however. The less time that the Prince was forced to spend with that brute of a man, the better.

  “Thorn is irritated he can’t ride ahead,” Nan said while taking a swig of mead.

  “He will have to get used to that feeling. I know we have not seen much combat, but I believe in him. He will learn patience,” Cadell responded.

  “Are you sure you did not get the horses just so Gammand wouldn’t suffer the marches?”

  “I resent such a statement,” Gammand said from horseback.

  The Uxsons’ relationship with horses was strange, but Cadell had heard about such a unit being a devastating tool. With Gammand’s swath of knowledge, he confirmed the countless victories won by cavalry.

  So Cadell had made a decision to employ that tool. They were small in number and not the most experienced, but he had his hopes for them.

  “If Thorn does not get us into trouble, our leader will somehow stumble into it,” Nan said with a chuckle.

  “It is not my error that everyone finds fault with me,” Cadell responded.

  For some reason, that was true. Whether he tried to form friendships or not, many Uxsons thought him the target of their disdain. This predisposed dislike resulted in problems occurring all around him. Luckily, despite him somehow always getting into trouble, he was able to get out of it without too much loss.

  Despite this defect, many people cared for him. He was thankful for that.

  “It makes sense if you think about it. Nan. Though with your alcohol addled mind, I can understand why you can’t grasp it,” Gammand said as though he was passing on saintly knowledge. “It is taught that Muraaul reincarnates us. Our deeds and prowess impact our capabilities in the next life. If Young Cadell were a simple warrior, he would not be seen as such a disappointment. But as he is a Prince, it draws eyes to his past life, which by our religion would state he was likely a coward.”

  “I’m not as weak as everyone thinks. I can take an average warrior.”

  Nan chuckled. “Through tactics and luck, perhaps. Everyone except your warriors believes you should have stronger physical capabilities.”

  “What few seem to understand,” Gammand cleared his throat, then continued, “Is that strength resides in Young Cadell’s heart. If we were to have a new King, I believe that he is most capable, mentally speaking.”

  Nan nodded her head in affirmation.

  A few miserable warriors behind heard and cheered.

  Cadell was simply lucky that no one of importance heard those words, or that any soldiers of different camps were around and relayed them. The succession was a heavily debated topic, one that could fracture the Uxsons and lead to bloodshed once Sliva passed away sometime in the far future. Though it was hard to imagine his father dying.

  It would not be such an issue if Torgar were still around, but he had been gone for a long time. Despite that, his spirit still haunted them.

  Traveling with Vhorn were a few priests, important due to the time of channao being anticipated. They were also important in nullifying any enemy curses and inflicting their own. Cadell did not begrudge them for their teachings that put him in a sour light.

  Instead of letting his worries get to him, he smiled widely. Kind words from his companions, support from his soldiers. How could someone like him not feel immense joy at such actions?

  Still, the throne was not for him. Lord of the Isle, the Dark King was not a title he wanted nor suited him. However, that was not to say he was without ambition. Peace was the goal, and his true dream was a path to that. Something he had never uttered to anyone, out of fear of being imprisoned for insanity.

  Ahead, life was beginning anew. The rain had settled, and the clouds began to clear. Wet leaves dripped, now free of the oppressive sky. The army sighed in collective relief.

  A picturesque scenery. Cadell thought of his secret dream. That legendary position which none had ever achieved. A wish that the Drajin conjured into existence and only spoke about in hallowed breaths. An impossible dream, not only for him, but for everyone else as well.

  I will become the Drawalda!