Within the halls of the Circle, my father brought us to his personal quarters in the tallest of its 3 towers.
“Thank you,” I said, as the warmth of his healing magic blanketed over me. Amoria let out a sigh of relief, sitting next to me.
“It is no issue,” he said. The spell continued to wash over us as he went to rummage through a cabinet of potion flasks. “Ah, here we are.” He said, bringing two bottles over to us. “These should restore your stamina and get you moving again.
I let out a sigh of relief, the flasks having taken effect immediately, like a coolness rushing over my skin. Suddenly, I was alert again, as he continued to heal the rest of our injuries.
“I think I’m okay now, Father.” Amoria said.
“As am I.” I stated.
He lifted his hands and exhaled. “Well, alright then.”
There was a silent pause before Amoria broke it. “So… Sebastien La'Kar, huh?”
My eyebrow raised.
“It has a ring to it,” she grinned.
We both chuckled.
“You’re quite strong.” I said, “I’ve never fought anyone of your like. It's true… what Father said about you.”
“Oh… and just what did he say?”
“Only that you’re gifted.” I said, “And that you don’t hold back.
“I told the truth,” our father said with a snide smile as he sat at his desk.
“And yet… I get the sense that you do.”
She was keen, as any prodigy would be, I supposed.
“I got a good sense of your abilities while we fought. There’s no obvious limitation to what you can do.” She surmised. “Save for the ones you place on yourself.”
“You have a good eye. Yes, you are right… My limitations are self-imposed mostly.”
“I could understand why. Your power has great potential, though had we fought longer, I may have been able to use that to my advantage.”
I nodded.
“You understand that is a weakness, right? One that will be exploited in time.”
“I… understand.” I said.
“We all have weaknesses we must overcome.” Father said. “Be it a hot temper or a tendency to hold back, one day, our boundaries and morals are pushed. How we handle that eventuality will decide if we bend or break. But adapt we must.” A knock fell at the door; Father waved it open. “Ah. Tarrien, to what do we owe the pleasure?”
“Yes, Archmage, I have come to retrieve Sebastien.”
“Yes…” He said. “The meeting with the king—do you feel well enough?”
“Yes,” I said.
“Then we hope you’ll return tonight, once all is said and done.”
“Father, don’t suffocate him.” Amoria said, “It's his first day back; he might wish to see the city.”
He exhaled, “Of course, of course. Well, we do hope to see you back once you’ve settled in. You know you’re welcome back here at any time.”
“Thank you,” I smiled. “I’m so happy to be back home… truly. It’s been too long.”
“You best be off,” Father said, “King Acaius does not like to be kept waiting.” He waved me away with a warm grin.
Amoria and Tarrien exchanged glances, and he smiled and waved awkwardly. He cleared his throat. “Come… your friend awaits you at the gates.”
We departed from the circle and moved into the city’s middlemost district. Within the center of Kygaron lay a large tower known as the Spire Tower, which connected 3 separate areas. Through it from the Mage’s district, we entered the Great Archway district, and on the horizon to the west stood Castle Kygaron, where Halcyon waited and where the King awaited our meeting.
“Has the city changed much since you were younger?” Tarrien asked.
When we had met at the gates, I hadn’t gotten a good look at him, but now, he smiled gently at me, his light tan skin almost gleaming in the sun and his brown, messy curls waving in the wind. “Honestly. I don’t remember much, but it all feels familiar… and bigger than I remember.”
He chuckled, “I feel that is a common reaction… even for me, admittedly.” He slowed his stride to walk beside me. “Every once in a while, you look upon this city and realize how small you are in the scope of it all.”
He meant something more by that; I could feel it. His eyes held a deeper meaning, but the pride of his home was rooted within him as he gazed hopefully.
“So… Prince Tarrien.” I smiled.
“I prefer Knight Commander, if I’m being honest. Prince just feels so lofty, you know?”
“I could imagine.”
“And you, son of the Archmage?” He nudged my arm, “I’d bet you’re a prodigy just like Amoria, aren’t you? You’d have to be, coming from that bloodline.”
“Oh, I’m nobody special.”
“Lies,” he laughed. “I heard you gave Amoria quite the thrashing.”
I waved my hand. “She gave me the thrashing. She’s very skilled.”
“But you won?” He said
“I suppose, yes. Although, my father stopped us in the end.”
“She’ll never let you live that down.”
We continued our stride, making our way to the end of the archway district.
“I… want to apologize for not remembering you.” I told him, “You seem very kind.”
“I appreciate that. At first, I was disappointed you didn’t remember me. But how could you? We were so young, and it’s been so long. I wouldn’t expect you to.”
“I’d like to make up for that.” I said hopefully, “Could we become friends again?”
He smiled widely, “I would like that.”
The castle now loomed overhead, and at its gates stood a familiar… dreadfully unenthused face. He met my eye and loosened his stiff appearance.
“Here we are,” Tarrien said as we approached the gate. Give me just a moment, and we’ll head in. He went to speak to one of the guardsmen, leaving me and Halcyon for a few moments.
“Did you do what you needed to?” I asked.
“I did… though I thought it would have taken longer.”
“Have you been waiting here long?”
“Long enough to gain suspicion from these incompetent guards if that’s what you’re asking.”
He looked at me as my expression lowered.
“I didn’t mind the wait, though,” he assured me.
Tarrien began to walk back to us.
“I hope your reunion with your father went well. Would you like to talk about it later, somewhere less… open?”
“Absolutely!” I said.
“We’re ready,” Tarrien said, directing us to follow him.
We walked into the Castles courtyard, lush with foliage and tress of all types. Most notable among them were cherry blossom trees, which painted the breeze with a beautiful pink hue… as well as the flora glowing in shades of yellows, whites, and blues. For an oceanic kingdom, parts of it felt as if you were in a completely different world.
The Palatial Chamber stood level with the courtyard, large, but still far overshadowed by the castle’s towers. Even above us, they cast imposing shadows. A true marvel of architecture.
We entered the palace and just within lay the throne room. Lit by large braziers and vibrant torchlight, the entirety of the room was laden with marvelous brickwork and reliefs depicting the past kings and the land’s history.
“Announcing, Young Sebastien La’Kar. Son of Amorick La’Kar, Archmage of the Circle Arcana, and Royal Mage to the Kingdom. And companion, Halcyon.”
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He rolled his eyes at the rather short introduction for himself. “Why bother…” He said.
Tarrien took a place beside the king as he began to speak.
“Welcome… welcome!” King Acaius said. We both bowed in respect. “I trust Kygaron has found you both well.”
“Yes… of course, my King.” I said, “It is good to be home.”
“Ah yes. Your father is likely happy to have you back, I’d hope. But it is not your return that we are here to discuss, unfortunately.”
The room seemed to fall into a hollow silence. “No… my King.”
He nodded. “I received a missive this morning from a dear friend of mine… one Mayor Deitrich, who you know as well.” He opened a scroll that he had been holding. “This missive speaks of your time spent in Elm, detailing the two of you as heroes.”
“I wouldn’t go that far.” Halcyon mumbled, receiving the brief ire of the king.
“I would not go so far as to call you heroes either. Though you may have chased away the vampires, they still live… “
“This is true…” I said.
“What did you learn of them in your encounter?”
I looked to Halcyon, who hadn’t spoken yet; he scowled at me before speaking. “I… had been following their tracks for quite a while, ever since the rumors of vampire attacks had begun.”
The king eyed him intently.
He continued, “I know not who he is, but we found him deep in the caverns below the northern woods of Elm. Him… and his army.”
“It is true,” I said. “We were overrun by Thralls multiple times.”
“Thralls?” the king asked.
“Those who’ve succumbed to vampiric influence.” Halcyon said, “Many become mindless, and the stronger willed become the most devout slaves.”
The king was silent for a moment. “That is… dire indeed. And when you confronted him?”
“He was maniacal.” I said, “And condescending. We pried… But he gave us nothing. Only that he had ‘loftier goals’ than to deal with us. And then they escaped.”
“I see.” He said, turning quickly to Tarrien. “It seems it is as we feared.”
“Yes… Father.”
“What do you mean?” I interrupted.
The king whipped his head to me. “We believe these ‘goals’ of his lie below our city.”
“Below…”
I recalled a story from before I was taken. Below the city, it rests. The heart of Old Kygar. My mother used to recite that line; it was comforting, as if the city itself watched over us.
“The Heart of Old Kygar.” King Acaius said. “Kygaron was built atop its ruins, an ancient city said to predate the mortal races. We’ve known since the Kingdom's inception that a mysterious power lay there… bringing some truth to the Children’s stories. Many a mage and adventurer alike have ventured in, attempting to claim it, whether for themselves or their nation, though most all have died, and those who returned had broken minds.”
“Broken Minds? Is it some kind of magic?” I asked.
“We do not know. Though, whatever it is, in the hands of a vampire, it could bring about calamity.”
Halcyon looked at me with a worrisome expression. Our failure once again sat in front of us.
“What are you going to do?” I asked him.
Tarrien stepped forward. “Allow me, Father.” He regarded us, “We believe that the cavern system you found them in connects directly with the systems surrounding Old Kygar. If that is the case, they could easily bypass the wards we’ve set in place in recent decades to prevent others from entering. Our plan is to send a small group down there to retrieve the power before the vampires arrive.”
“Do you know when they will arrive?” I asked.
“That is the problem… likely on the morrow.”
“Less than a day?” Halcyon spoke up. “If they arrive before the group can retrieve it, do you truly think a small unit could defeat such a force?”
“I understand your frustration,” King Acaius said. “But seeing as the two of you are already a part of this mess, I would assume you would have no problem fixing it.”
He was right. Could we say anything but yes? Though the vampire likely had planned this for some time, it was us who failed to bring him down. Perhaps we could make up for it this way…
“Of course we will help.” I said, Halcyon, nodding behind me.
“It won’t only be the two of you.” Tarrien said. “Your sister, Amoria, has volunteered as well, Sebastien.”
“Truly?” A mage as powerful as she would be crucial on a venture such as this.
“And against my father’s better wishes, I will be going too.” He said
The king scowled at him but didn’t question his resolve.
“We will also be sending three Elite Knights Arcana with you.” The King said.
“That is wholly unnecessary, Father; I would not wish to risk any of my men.”
“That is an order. I will hear no disagreements.”
Tarrien bowed and returned to his place at the King's side.
“It is decided then. Come the morning, each of you will meet at the base of the Sky District, at the entrance to the Warrens. Deep within, you will find the entrance to Old Kygar. I am entrusting each of you to succeed. Mages will be ready to reseal the wards at the entrance upon your return.”
“Yes… your majesty.” We each say in unison.”
"… begone. When I see you next, I expect success.”
We stood and were escorted out by guards; Tarrien stayed behind to speak with his father, and midday began to fall on Kygaron. The evening sun shone upon the castle courtyard as Halcyon spoke.
“I do not like that man.” He said.
“Ever the cynic,” I chuckled, “I did find his attitude lacking, though. Perhaps in kindness? Or general respect?”
“He was an ass.”
“Aptly put,” I said.
We left the courtyard and entered the Archway district again. The city was quite lively at this hour. Both nobility and the common folk frequented this area, as it joined both their districts. Shops, homes, inns, and taverns alike dotted its expanse.
“Would you like to get a drink?” Halcyon asked.
“I wouldn’t mind one after today.”
We made our way to an inn along the edge of the archway where it joined a noble living area known as the Cliffsedge Maisons and an entrance to the Commons District. The inn went by the name ‘Alethia's Bosom.' A rather blasphemous moniker regarding the Goddess of Life and Love. But it was lively, perhaps just as lively as the Elm’s Leaf Respite.
“Are we sure we ever left Elm?” I said as we entered. The inn was laid out similarly but stayed within the stone brick scheme of the district. It was much cleaner, though the scent of spirits and drink still lay heavy on the air.
“This place is much nicer,” Halcyon said.
We approached the bar, which was mostly empty as the patrons danced and drank in the center, and most others sat eating at the tables.
“Two meads?” He asked the barkeep while looking at me.
“Yes, that’ll be fine.” I smiled.
As he prepared our drink, Halcyon moved his stool closer to me. “Now that we’re comfortable, how was your family reunion?” He asked.
“Oh… it was quite well.” I said, “My father was nice and very happy to have me back; he kept saying. Although my sister’s attitude was to be desired… even if she warmed up to me eventually.”
“And… could the walloping you gave her have caused that?”
I laughed, “How did you know?”
“I could hear it,” he said, “even from the other end of the city.”
“Ah, a vampire’s hearing. Even so, she still made me fight for my life almost. She's a very skilled mage, and it was one of the closest fights I’ve ever had. Who’d have guessed she knew Greater Magic?”
“Not many mages can wield such power. Nobody could blame you for not considering that.”
The barkeep handed us our drinks. The delightful scent of honey rose from the mead, and it went down sweetly. A warmth gathered in my stomach as we drank more.
“It was… strange being back home, though.”
“How so?” He asked me.
“I thought being back would… feel different. That I would be happier to return to familiar surroundings, but even being back in my room, it just felt… different, like I said.”
“Perhaps because it’s been so long,” he said, taking another sip. “You were so young. I would imagine it’s hard to recall the life you had before.”
“Even being in that place feels… uncomfortable. I don’t want to seem unhappy about seeing my family again, but that place… it doesn’t feel like home.”
“What does?”
I paused, confused. I was unable to answer… I’d not yet found home since returning. I’d thought being back would mean something, mean more.
“I’m sorry…” Halcyon said.
As the hour went on, and one or two more drinks in, that warm feeling settled throughout my body. I sat more relaxed than I had in days. And we continued speaking. His company was oddly comforting. We hadn’t had the chance to just talk since we met, and there was still much I didn’t know about him. He told me of his early years and of the world he lived in… a much darker time, but he could still find the beauty in it. It sounded idyllic coming from his lips. Which for a moment, my eyes were fixed on. He spun words like a poet, or perhaps it was my drunken ears… But as he rested his head on his palm, I watched the way his hair lay so elegantly on his shoulder, a deep black as night, like a starless sky.
“Sebastien,” He chuckled, “Are you alright?”
“Oh… Gods, I’m sorry. I was—lost in thought.” I smiled awkwardly.
He grinned coyly, “Do you like what you see?”
My face flushed. “I mean… um.” I stuttered.
“Relax... relax, I’m only playing.” He took the last sip of his mead. “Barkeep… One more round for the two of us, please.”
“One more and I’m done,” I said. “I’d like to remember my night.”
We talked a while longer, and I told him more about my day. The way my father looked at me, with a pride I’d not known before, and how it felt to return to that after so long. If I had felt anything good to mention in my apprehension, it was that. He asked more of mine and my sister’s battle… “a battle of wills,” I called it. She was stubborn in her testing of me, but ultimately, it ended well, and with a mutual respect. He seemed to listen intently, his eyes of such beautiful deep crimson fixed on my words as they came out drunkenly. But eventually, they began to slur…
“One too many?” He smiled.
“I…thought we were only ordering… orderi— getting one more.” I swayed.
He hiccupped, “I must’ve forgotten… Damn barkeep,” he sneered.
We talked a while longer before night rolled in; it felt so soon, like we’d only been there but an hour.
“Are you… staying with your family tonight?” He asked.
I rested my head on my palm, “…I…don’t think so.”
He placed his hand on my knee gently. “Perhaps, we should get a room.” His hand lingered for a moment as he got up. “Barkeep… Check us in, please.”
My vision became foggy. A pair of gentle arms wrapped around me, and for a while I felt weightless. Laid upon a soft cloud, I dreamt of peace and solitude. A gentle melody floated on the breeze, which stroked my hair.
“That… feels nice.” I said, waking up.
Halcyon paused. “I… apologize; I should have asked before touching you. You just seemed so… peaceful.”
My heart skipped. “We… we have to go; they’re waiting for us!” I shouted.
He continued stroking my hair, “No, you’ve only slept a few hours; it’s still early yet.” I lay back down under the comfort of his touch.
“Oh…” I said, “Why were you sorry?”
“You were… drunk and asleep.”
“I’m neither of those now…” I said
He stopped.
“Halcyon… I… would give you permission.”
He held his hand close to my face for a moment, as if hesitating. I sat up groggily. “What… are you thinking about?” I asked.
“Things I… probably shouldn’t.” He exhaled, frustrated, “It’s probably the alcohol.”
“You don’t look drunk to me…”
"You’re right," he mumbled, looking away.
I placed his hand on my cheek. “You can touch me,” I said. He stroked my cheek for a moment.
“Do you remember that time… at Elm, in the bathhouse?”
“It was a small heaven… yes, I remember.”
I grinned at the thought, feeling a warm tension gathering in me. “I… saw you.”
He began to laugh for a moment, “I know.”
I smacked his arm playfully. “Did you?
“You weren’t exactly subtle.”
My face flushed again in embarrassment. “I’m so sorry.”
“I can’t say I hated the attention.” I felt him move closer.
“You didn’t see me… did you?” My breaths were heavy, almost catching.
“I did not… but maybe I would have liked to.” He pressed his hand upon my thigh and ran his other hand lightly down my arm. The tension growing within me reached its height as he turned to face me. “May I… kiss you?”
My lips raised ear to ear as his hand grasped my chin. “Yes…” I said, almost breathless. “Yes, pleas…” My words were interrupted by his soft lips, pressed firm against mine. Yes was all he needed, all I needed. He unbuttoned my clothing, and I fumbled with the buttons on his. He placed his hands on mine, guiding and helping them along the way. His lips upon mine were that of a miracle, and the cold touch of his hands tracing and exploring every inch of my bare skin felt heaven-sent. His haughty personality all but vanished in that moment as he climbed upon the bed, his weight pressed against me as he moved his lips to my neck.
I stifled my voice, “Halcyon,” I whispered breathlessly. It seemed to push us further as he ran his hands down my sides, his hands eventually grasping at my waist.
“Is this… alright?” he asked, pausing his advance.
“Don’t… stop,” I pleaded. I wished for his embrace, all of it. Even a second without it had felt like torture. He continued, this time, with more passion than before. He whispered my name as I did his… as if a prayer, or a wish?
We delved into each other that night, body and soul. Even more could never have been enough.
He asked me before what had felt like home… And in that moment, it was him.
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