Patches grunted and pushed himself to his feet. “There’s nothing you can do for her.”

  “There’s still time to save her,” I said.

  Patches grabbed my wrist. “You mustn’t. She would forbid it.”

  I yanked my wrist free of the older man’s grip. “You’ve done enough, old man,” I spat. “Besides, it’s my right and my choice as eldest in my family.”

  Patches’ shoulders slumped in defeat. “Very well…” He took a few steps back and said nothing else.

  I willed blood from my body, gathering it in a fine mist before me. Give her life, I thought, willing my desires into the magic.

  Tendrils of green energy arced between the droplets of blood as the cloud floated into ’Mother’s nose. Her eyes snapped open, and she inhaled deeply.

  “From my heart to your heart. My blood to your blood. My life to your death.” I raised my dagger and placed the tip against my chest over my heart just as the ritual demanded. “I make this choice willingly.”

  Mother’s hand shot up and gripped my wrist firmly. “No. Live, my son. Let me rest. You’ve your entire life ahead of you.” Mother squeezed me one last time and smiled. “I am so proud of the man you’ve become.” Her hand loosened and fell to her side as the last of the necromantic energy burned away.

  “Mother…” Tears streamed down my cheeks. I clenched my fists until my knuckles popped. My palms were wet, and I looked down. Blood dripped from my hands where my nails had cut me. The droplets turned to a red lightning-riddled mist before they hit the tavern floor. I absorbed the cloud back into my body, neutralizing the rampant power it represented. “I’ll kill him. I swear it.”

  Patches put a hand on my shoulder. “We’ll make the funeral arrangements. It’s the least we can do.”

  I nodded.

  2

  Ulrich

  Laencaster, Glenarm

  During Legend of the Sword Bearer

  * * *

  Hankin smiled. “You’ve improved dramatically, Prince Ulrich. Your father believes you are ready to take on and lead major quests.”

  Aenor’s frown deepened, making her seem much older. “I still do not agree. The boy is overconfident in his abilities”—a door in the wall cracked open for just a moment, then closed. I looked up. Aenor’s frown deepened—“and distracted by girls.”

  Hankin sighed. “Ahh…young love—”

  “—can get you killed,” finished Aenor.

  Hankin chuckled. “Aenor, please. Give him some credit. The young prince has already become quite the formidable warrior. Not only the citizenry, but even the villagers in the outskirts, sing songs in his honor. The people love him. He has done more for the people than the entire royal guard combined.”

  “You know,” I said, rather annoyed, “I’m standing right here…”

  “Silence, boy,” snapped Aenor. “Grown-ups are speaking.”

  My jaw snapped shut in utter shock and surprise. “Aenor,” I demanded. My heartbeat pounded in my ears. “With what authority do you dare speak to a prince in such a manner?”

  She turned deliberately as slow as possible. She knew how to get under my skin. “Why, Your Majesty, with the power bestowed upon me by your own father, the king.” She glared daggers at me.

  I actually took a step back from her.

  “Ulrich, you are overly arrogant at times. One of the lessons I’ve been meaning to teach you is about humility and respect. Something which you seem to lack more of the stronger you become. Something I intend to remedy at this very moment.”

  Her body shimmered. She covered the twenty paces between us before I could react. As her fist connected with my stomach, her afterimage began to fade from the spot she’d once occupied. Even through the heavy leather armor, the blow knocked the wind from my lungs. I doubled over in pain. Then I saw a plated boot flying straight at my face.

  I only had a heartbeat before she knocked me unconscious. I channeled power into my arms and caught her knee one-handed. Her other leg swung around in a long-arcing kick. She seemed intent on braining me one way or another. I deflected it with my other hand in time to see Hankin rushing me, a crude club held above his head. I gathered all my remaining strength and released a blast of energy in all directions at once. It wasn’t a lot, but it was enough to force both of them back several paces.

  Aenor smiled. “Now that is more like it. You’re still an arrogant spoiled brat, but perhaps you have the strength and skills to balance it.” She relaxed her posture. “Go. Make yourself presentable for your woman. No one wants a sweaty, smelly man trying to swoon them…”

  I grumbled. Her smile deepened.

  I smiled like a little boy as my date approached. Her curly auburn hair bounced with each step, and the yellow dress accentuated her features. “Avelyn, your beauty rivals that of the sunrise.”

  “Thank you.” She curtsied. “And you look as dashing as always, my prince.”

  I held out my arm for her. “Shall we?”

  “Of course.” She grinned. “It has been much too long since we shared a quiet meal together.”

  “Indeed,” I said as I held the tavern door open for her.

  “Ahh, Your Majesty and Miss Avelyn!” greeted the barkeep. “Just in time! We have just finished preparing your table.” He led us to a table tucked in the corner of the tavern. Torchlight flickered, casting a warm light around the room. The smell of steaks cooking over open fire hung heavy in the air. My mouth watered.

  We sat at the table and enjoyed each other’s company until the barkeep arrived and placed plates of steaming food before us. As the evening went on, we ate in an oddly uncomfortable silence. After most of the food had been eaten, I decided to find out why.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  “It’s nothing.” She smiled, trying to hide her discomfort.

  I arched an eyebrow. “You know, you’ve never been a great liar…”

  Her smile faltered.

  “Something is obviously troubling you. Would you tell me what that may be? Perhaps I can help.”

  Avelyn sighed, and her shoulders slumped. “The royal guard… They—” She looked down at her hands. “They arrested my father and demanded he pay some ridiculous exorbitant fine for his release.”

  “Arrested?” I clenched my fists. “When did this happen?”

  “This morning,” she said. “Shortly after I saw you in training.” Tears began to stream down her cheeks. “Mother is beside herself with grief. I don’t know what to do.”

  I took her hands in mine. “Please tell me what they said when they arrested him.”

  “He refused to pay the protection fee on the store. So they arrested him and are demanding three times the fee for his release.”

  “Protection fee?” I frowned. “What protection fee?”

  “The guards have been charging the shopkeepers a protection fee for a while now. I believe it started in the fall two years ago.”

  “That is preposterous! How have I not heard about this?”

  Avelyn smiled weakly. “Because you are the prince. You would not have had a reason to know that the guard has become corrupt. And even if you had reason, it would have been kept from you.”

  I nodded. “I see.” I stood from the table.

  “Where are you going?” she asked.

  “To remedy the situation.” I bowed to her. “If you’ll excuse me, my lady, please wait here. I shan’t be long.”

  I slammed the doors open as I entered the prison. My boots echoed on the stone walls while I approached the main guard station. The guard sighed, annoyed. “What do you want?” He looked up and gasped. “Oh, uh, Your Majesty! I’m so sorry! I—”

  “Where is Segarus,” I demanded. I stared daggers at the man.

  “Uh, cell C-one, Your Majesty.”

  “That will be all,” I said as I threw the bolt and slammed the door to the lower levels open. It smashed against the stone wall and shook in its frame. I took the stairs two at a time to the third level down. The guard at the third landing stood abruptly at attention. I looked over at the first cell. Segarus sat still, his eyes wide in shock.

  “Guard,” I commanded. “I want this man on this side of the bars. Now.”

  “But, sir. This man—”

  I channeled power into my muscles and drew my sword. The blade blurred as it arced through the air. When it came to an abrupt stop, the tip rested against the guard’s throat. “I will not repeat myself. That was a command from your prince.”

  “Y—yes, Your Majesty.” The keys shook as the guard’s hand trembled. He opened the door, and Segarus stood.

  “Your Majesty?”

  “Come. Your daughter is waiting for you,” I said. “Let’s get this mess cleared up.”

  “Th-thank you, Your Majesty.”

  “No thanks are needed,” I said. “If anything, you are owed an apology.”

  “Your Majesty,” said the guard. “What shall I tell the guard captain? He was quite adamant Segarus needed to be incarcerated.”

  I shrugged. “Tell him the truth.” I turned and followed Segarus up the stairs. “Also let him know that I will speak with him quite soon regarding his activities.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty” echoed up the stairwell.

  I escorted Segarus back to the restaurant.

  Avelyn gasped. “Papa!” She ran to him and locked her arms around him. “I was so worried.”

  Segarus smiled. “Everything is fine. Prince Ulrich came to my aid.”

  She turned to me and hugged me tightly. “Thank you.”

  “Of course.” I turned to Segarus. “Please stay here and have a meal with Avelyn.”

  “Thank you,” he said. “Will you not join us?”

  I frowned. “No. I must talk with Father about the unsavory activities of the royal guard.”

  “I understand.” Segarus bowed. “Thank you once again, Your Highness.”

  I nodded in acknowledgement and bid him and Avelyn good night. I turned to head toward the castle, my anger building with every step.

  The castle guards looked up as I approached. They slammed their fists against their hearts. The clang on their breastplates reverberated against the stone castle walls. I passed them, shoved open the heavy wrought iron doors, and strode into the throne room with as much irritation as I could muster.

  The turquoise rug that ran the length of the hall muted my heavy footsteps. Sixteen dark granite columns held up the stone ceiling of the thousand-year-old structure. My eye caught the beautiful angelic murals that had been painted across the ceiling over the past several centuries. Light from high-mounted braziers flickered across exquisite sculptures. My anger was being sapped away by unseen magics within the decor. Now I knew exactly why those spells were there—to make people more reasonable prior to their audience with the king.

  I would have none of it. I fanned my rage and pressed on. Father had been hiding things from me. Today, I would have answers.

  I followed the rug until it split into two paths. One led to the conference hall. The other to my father’s throne. The decor lured my attention from my anger and to banners with emblazoned tassels. Between each banner sat a shrine with candles burning with a muted green flame. The flames drew me in as I walked. A soothing calmness washed over me.

  Sunlight from slim windows bordered by veils blinded me for just a moment. I stopped mid-stride and simply stared at the sun, allowing the pain to sharpen my senses. I’m here for a reason. I mustn’t allow myself to be dissuaded.

  “Ulrich, my son. What brings you to the throne room?” asked my father.

  I turned toward the magnificent oak throne. A chandelier illuminated the area around him. Upon the throne were emblems and glyphs, all centuries old. I mustn’t allow myself to be led astray! I focused my will and steeled my resolve.

  Movement caught my eye. A brown-robed figure left the room via the side exit as I stepped forward. I ignored them and turned to address my father, the king of Laencaster.

  “Father!” I yelled.

  He turned slowly toward me, arched an eyebrow, and stared.

  “Did you know about the corruption within the royal guard?”

  My father scowled angrily. “Of course, I know about the corruption! Everyone knows about the corruption. Do you think there is nothing in my kingdom I am not aware of?”

  “No, Father. I simply wished to bring it to your attention—in case you were not aware.”

  “I see…” He shifted in his chair and rested his head against his palm, obviously bored. He stifled a yawn. “If you’re so concerned with it, you have my leave to do something to remedy the situation.”

  “Truly?” I asked.

  “Truly,” he said. “Now go. I grow weary of your presence. Take your frustrations from my sight.” He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against his throne.

  I bowed slightly. “As you wish, Father.”

  I had never been inside the city guard’s building before. It was a stone emplacement built directly into the walls of the main gate. It had slotted windows for archers up on the second, third, and fourth levels. Guards patrolled the roof. The main entrance was on the town side of the wall, which made sense.

  I entered the building and approached the front desk. “Where is he?”

  “Who would that be?” asked the clerk.

  “Captain Dain, who else?”

  “In a meeting.” The clerk pointed at a nearby door as he looked up from his paperwork. I walked toward it.

  “But, sir, you can’t go in there. He’s in a meeting—”

  “Not anymore he isn’t.” I slammed the door open and rattled it in its frame. Both men jumped. Captain Dain was dressed in his centurion armor. His sword hung at his hip. I couldn’t make out much detail about his visitor with the brown robe that wrapped his body.

  “This is a private meeting! What is the meaning of this?” demanded Captain Dain.

  “You.” I pointed at the visitor. “Get out.” The visitor said nothing, nodded once, and vacated the room posthaste. It seemed like he wanted as little attention drawn to him as possible.

  “Why was Segarus arrested?” I demanded.

  “He didn’t pay the protection fee,” he said flatly as if it was common knowledge I should already know about.

  “What protection fee?” I asked. “You literally have one job. To protect the citizens of this nation. That is what you get paid for by the Crown.”

  “This is ridiculous,” he spat. “I do not have time for this right now. I am far too important to be entertaining a child.”

  “You’re a bloody plonker is what you are!”

  Dain stood and slammed his hands down on his desk. “How dare you speak to me with such insolence?” he demanded. “I should beat some manners into y—”

  I swung with a right hook and cut him off. My fist slammed into his jaw and spun him sideways from behind his desk. He landed on his back and sprawled on the floor. He stared at me, eyes wide. His jaw opened and closed several times, but no words came out.

  I stood over him and looked down. “Not such a loudmouth when someone’s willing to put you on your ass…”

  He glared up at me.

  “In case you’ve forgotten, I am the prince of Laencaster. You would do well to remember your place in the chain of command.” I glared at him. “Your life is mine to do with as I please.”

  “But—”

  “I could have you executed for lesser crimes than what you’ve committed in the last several months.” I frowned. “And that’s just what I’m aware of. I know it’s been happening for quite some time.” I shook my head and spat on the ground. “Now, I expect you and your men to act honorably and in the citizens’ best interest at all times.”

  I turned and headed for the door. At the doorframe, I stopped. “If we have to have this conversation again, I’m afraid I will not be as pleasant and understanding as I have been this evening. Do I make myself understood?”

  “Yes, Your Highness,” he hissed.

  “Good. Now go clean yourself up. You’re dripping blood on your armor like the plonker you are.”

  He growled as he stood, but I paid him no mind. I would have to keep an eye on that one. “And send a formal apology to Segarus by tomorrow evening.” I slammed the door shut in his face. The clerk at the desk sat there, eyes wide, paralyzed with shock and disbelief. I nodded once and left the office.

  3

  Ulrich

  The forests around the kingdom of Laencaster seemed endless. Verdant and lively. The canopy above me was overshadowed by maple, sycamore, and chestnut trees. Dancing lights bounced through their crowns. Colorful bushes and shrubs covered the stony grounds below. Vines clung low from the trees. Flowers grew here and there in contrast with the otherwise dark green forest floor.

  A mixture of wild noises, most of which were vermin, filled the air. It added life to the forest. The sounds of running water and fish splashing came from a nearby stream. And in the middle of a small clearing, I found what I was searching for. A tall, eight-sided hut built out of mud and thatch. It featured a fireplace, molded into the wall, as well as a small wooden fence that surrounded the hut and a small garden to the side.

  “Phillip?” I called. “Are you home?”

  “Ulrich?” he said from inside. The wooden door opened. “You’re early,” he said, stifling a yawn. “Really early.”

  “It’s almost nine in the morning,” I said. “I’ve been up since four.”

  Phillip laughed. “Why would you go and do a harebrained thing like that?”

  I shrugged. “Seemed like the smart thing to do at the time. What do you think?”

  “Are we going fishing?”