*Lorcan Riage*
I moved from behind the soft silk curtain, that led to the balcony where I had just conducted my speech. As I approached the long marble table Adelstein sighed and sat up from his seat, "Rise for his Highness". All the other Lord's and Robert rose from their seats and stood apprehensively awaiting myself to either beckon them away or sit down. I did neither and instead ran my hand along the cool edge of the table. "This is a monument of time", my gaze flicked to Adelstein who was growing more irritated by the second. Adelstein would do well to hold his tongue. The circumstances I have put us in may seem unfavourable. But in my eyes I understand the sacrifices needed.
I made my way to the seat at the head of the table. All eyes still locked to mine, I pulled my seat out and sat down. I clasped my hands together and rested my head upon them, "You may be seated". All proceeded to sit down. Adelstein then looked towards me, "My King, Do you have any idea the pressure you have put me under to try and find the funds to pay for your tournament. Money does not grow from your pockets, although you seem to flaunt it like some fair maiden", a slight trickle of sweat ran down his cheek and he stuttered whilst he spoke. He kept his fingers intertwined and his gaze flicked to the others in hopes of them supporting him.
Robert spoke, "Adelstein, you are not wrong our King always worries too much on his looks rather than his overall appeal to the public, waisting the people's money on tournaments. But in this circumstance I believe he may be allowed to flaunt a little". The way Robert always spoke was undercut with something he was hiding deep within. I didn't give much thought to it though, as Adelstein responded anger more present in his eye. "The Circumstance!, you mean to tell me, since our King has well for starters arrived back with three heads of Amphiptere which ought to be extinct for centuries he should be so easily granted a tourney in honour of his name." His gaze flicked to mine, "Preposterous" he scoughed. "Not to least mention that he was the only man of an entire crew to return alive, with no working weapons and three Amphiptere. There is something Our Grace is not telling us."
As I was about to respond, Robert cut in "Maybe you are ill suited to be the King's hand, Adelstein. As you question him as if it is your right to answers. But the place of being less than his grace is merely to follow in his place. I and the vast majority of the others at this present time, seem to believe that you're ill equipped to be his Grace's hand much longer". The others nodded in response to Robert Lanyl's words. Whilst Adelstein looked at me with pleading eyes abashed.
It seems someone has outgrown their boots, I thought.
I took a deep breath before leveling my gaze at Robert. "You are quick to judge Sir Robert. I myself still see use in Adelstein". His confident expression crumbled, as he looked at me confused like a lost puppy. "But", I cut him off. "There is no if, but or maybe, only my finality".
"Continue in a more reformed manner, both of you", I said. It was like playing dolls, the people that I would use to achieve my goal of fulfilling the prophecy.
The discussion continued for some time more, and hour or two until a pivotal question was asked of me.
Adelstein with a tired annoyed look on his face asked me, "Are you going to take part in the tournament, Your highness". Not missing a beat I responded, "Of course I'll take part Adelstein, I would not miss it for the world". He was tired of dealing with this the past few hours, you could see the weariness etched into the lines of his face and he simply waved a hand at me.
He turned back to the rest, "There is nothing else for us to discuss?" There was silence as I studied everyone's calm expression. "Then this council has concluded", Adelstein said.
After everyone had left, I got up and began my walk along the silent corridors. It was peaceful to be back in Lorcamir after my time away. I missed the bright halls and dark walls that encased the castle. But most of all I was looking forward to seeing Melissa.
I pushed the thought out of mind as I approached the doors leading to the sanctuary, though I couldn't help feeling the butterflies in my stomach at the thought of feeling Melissa's touch again.
As I pushed open the doors into the sanctuary, the voice echoed in my head. Lorcan Riage VIII, You are listening? There was nothing said and then I responded, I am. Good, our plan is still, as we discussed. Yes I repeated. He stayed silent for a moment. And I almost breathed a sigh of relief thinking he was gone. Achieve what I wish for you to achieve and you will become greater than you could ever imagine. Superior to every Primordial there ever was. I understand, my voice was hesitant. But I wouldn't refuse. I barely knew who this being was.
Then he was gone. I crumpled down onto a bench of the sanctuary. What have I done? I buried my face in my hands. My chest was still tight from the discussion. He undoubtedly felt my fear and resentment. God, he's terrible, I muttered to myself. I should have never went into that cave.
But my greed. The necessity, the corruption I have, to fulfill my prophecy. I must, I must. Then it hit me. I was overcome with a sickness. I could feel bile building at the back of my throat and I lerched forward. I didn't know what was happening. There was a tingling sensation all over my body and as if something was flooding my system. Crumbling against the cold stone. I lay there unable to move until my eyes shut and I went into a blissful peace.
But I awoke with Melissa in my arms. My bed was soft and warm as if I never had left. I was greatful for the beautiful woman before me and so I closed my eyes knowing I was at peace.
Was it all a dream. Had I merely had a nightmare of sorts. I rubbed my head where I felt a cut that wasn't there before. Something had happened.
Then the voice overtook me again. It only muttered three cold harsh words that brought me back to reality. "You're too weak".