"He is late." Casspien groaned, tapping his finger against his drink.

  "He did say it would be a while." The tall man next to him grinned, sipping his drink. "You know how the Elders are. They are just upset he acted without their approval."

  "That is my concern," Casspien finished the last of his drink. "They are not known for being reasonable when they are upset."

  He looked out across the vibrant main hall as guests gathered and mingled. It had been years since he last saw the castle halls like this filled with people. Colors danced as the garments worn by the guests ranged from Stygian black, purple and gold to exotic colors seen from further south of Aurum. The high ceilings within the castle allowed for light to be placed further up than most structures. The light beams bounced off the colored glass that acted as windows and bathed the room in a warm glow. Music carried laughter throughout the air from various people. Warriors, scholars, commonfolk, nobility, all mingled in the hall. Here their differences meant little, this is where alliances were formed, weddings were made and money was spent. Those who understood the value of the celebration were quick to work, moving from one group to another. As Casspien watched them all from the distance, he felt disdain.

  "Smile Casspien," the tall man pleaded, motioning his slender finger into a smile across his face. "Everyone is far too scared to approach us."

  "Good," Casspien snapped his fingers and out of the crowd a servant brought him a second drink. "I do not have time for pointless praise."

  "It is just a celebration."

  "Siegfried..."

  He raised his hands in surrender, "Alright, I yield." He folded his arms and grinned.

  Siegfried cut a towering appearance. He was one of the few people who did not have to completely look up to speak to Typhon. He did not have the giant Stygians frame, but his slender constitution was not a fragile one. His broad shoulders gave him a commanding presence that easily allowed him to fill whatever room he stepped into. He sported braided white hair that flowed all the way down to his shoulders. The golden bands tightly held them together, much like Casspiens. The shaved sides of his head gave his hair the appearance of spikes on a dragon's back. Such a striking appearance was complimented with a fine face, soft and beautiful, like all Stygians. But unlike the cold indifferent beauty that most Stygians carried. Siegfried was youthful and full of life. His violet-navy eyes carried within them sparks of yellow flames. His eyes looked onward with hopeful determinism. One need not talk to him to know he was a kind man.

  Although none would dare approach the two Lords of War without their permission, many could not help but steal glances at them. For their feats throughout the years were spoken of as the stuff of legends. Siegfried especially drew the gaze of plenty women who were in attendance. Most did not care for the truth in his tales. But they could all agree when they spoke of his beauty, the bards did not embellish when it came to Siegfried Xerxes.

  "I see you have some admirers in the audience this evening," Casspien cracked a sparse smile.

  "I am happily married," Siegfried waved his hand dismissively. "And I have three lovely children to show for it."

  "When has that ever stopped anyone?" a rare anecdote from the Lord Regent.

  "Besides they would admire you too, if you managed to learn how to express emotion." Siegfried added.

  Casspien rolled his eyes, "I do express emotion."

  "Being banal is not an emotion," Siegfried lightly jabbed his dear cousin.

  They both shared a laugh. Despite his apprehension and disdain for large celebrations like this. Casspien was glad that it allowed him the opportunity to see those he rarely had the time to talk with. One such person was Siegfried who along with his family lived all the way in the western edges of Iliad past the ancient city of Kish, in a town called Euphrates. Siegfried was the Lord of the town and the surrounding area. And as such was far too busy to regularly come this far east. So Casspien savored such meetings with great glee. It had been years so there was much for them to talk about. Of all the Lords of War that were created well over a decade ago. Outside of Antares and Nykolas, Casspien found it easiest to speak with Siegfried. His cool temperament and wise nature often allowed him insight into a different mind than his but similar in the ways that mattered most.

  "And what of your family? I hope all is well?" Casspien turned to him.

  Siegfried smiled, "It is. They are all I could have ever asked for, brother."

  "I am glad," Casspien said content.

  "You know, you need only ask. There are plenty of suitors for you. I talk about you constantly." Siegfried nodded as he cycled through the various candidates he had for Casspien.

  The young Lord Regent raised his glass protectively, "I do not have time for such things."

  "You know you are allowed to be happy."

  "Happy huh?" Casspien repeated the words, foreign in his mouth. The taste unfamiliar to him. A memory in the distance caught his eyes and in it Siegfried could see a great sadness. "I think the rest of us left that to you." A soft smile came across his face.

  Siegfried was prepared to protest but his voice was quickly drowned out by the appearance of the king to be atop the highest staircase. All turned to look as Antares looked back down upon them. The air was fervent, all waited with baited breath watching to see what he would do. Antares scanned across the crowd until his eyes rested on Casspiens in the corner. He bowed and in unison the crowd did too. Antares raised a hand in acknowledgement and the festivities resumed. As he approached the foot of the stairs the crowd moved towards him. Various noble kin and human alike shook his hand offering praise and congratulations. Barons and dukes swore allegiance and fealty. Baroness's and Dames hinted at their chastity being unclaimed. They swarmed him all with their wishes and desires, and through it all Antares saw them all for what they were; distractions. But no matter, he would use them. He would rebuild what his father let destroy, what his brother let destroy. Tonight he would look upon their faces and they would no longer see a prince, but a king.

  Casspien looked on as Antares was surrounded by guests pledging themselves. He wondered what Antares felt in that moment, he turned his attention to the musicians playing in the corner. The magic they used to bring instruments to life left a pleasant smell in the air. He hung on to each note playing and followed along closely. Such soft music held his attention for some time, his thoughts carried him back to his childhood.

  "Was I keeping you?" Antares said with a warm smile.

  Casspien returned one in kind. "It is not much of a celebration if the guest of honor is not here." He bowed politely.

  "Oh come now, none of that." Antares stopped himself realizing who bowed next to Casspien. "Siegfried?"

  Before he could offer congratulations Antares embraced Siegfried with frightening speed. He was taken aback by his cousin's lack of action befitting a king. Siegfried had always been grateful for them being friendly. Their childhood was a harsh one save for moments they spent together. It was lost on none, not even Siegfried himself that his continued existence was at the whim of King Barranagan for much of his life. He was glad the king to be would be someone he did not have to fear.

  "What is all this for?" Siegfried said laughing. "This is not the action of a king."

  "I am not king yet cousin, allow me this night at least." Antares responded, while putting Siegfried down. "It is good to see you."

  He nodded his head in agreement. "And you Ant." He flashed a look at the crowd and they returned to their conversations, knowing to give them room to talk . "I am sorry for not attending the late king's funeral."

  Antares waved his hand dismissively. "Do not even bother with that," he placed a hand on his shoulder. "He got the end that he wanted. I am satisfied with that."

  Siegfried was about to plead his case when from through the crowd a young boy ran without a care in the world. The child sported a similar look to Siegfried down to the style of hair. His clothes might have once looked regal, but the scars of playing in the castle courtyards were far too apparent to ignore. Across his face a wild grin, he ran into Siegfried arms and he picked him up.

  "Dad!" the boy yelled as Siegfried spun him around.

  "Kai, you troublemaker," he ruffled his son's hair. "Are you not supposed to be with your mother?"

  As though on que stepped forth Kai's mother, Siegfried's wife, Himari Xerxes. Despite being of common birth, the woman carried herself with the presence of one of noble blood. She dressed in matching attire with Siegfried, both wearing Stygian noble garments with an embroiled dragon haori. Her tan skin gave way to an oval face full of features only found in Ichika, the allied realm to the west. Her long black hair was straightened all the way down to her waist. And chestnut colored eyes were vibrant and alive. Himari was beautiful, even still now as she carried a bump, her fourth child on the way with her husband. The other children followed close behind, hugging their mothers clothes.

  "There you are!" Himari exclaimed. "Siegfried tame your son or I will have the stable boys do so." Himari placed both hands on her swollen belly, her expression one full of annoyance.

  "Oh? look who is improved their tongue in the old ways," Antares gave Himari a sly look. "You sound like a native. I could almost understand you this time."

  Himari wagged a finger at Antares, "You. You are not king yet, do not test my patience."

  Antares raised his hands in defense and they all started laughing. It had been ages since all four of them last saw each other. The times had barely aged them, still each of them experienced so much. Antares was glad Siegfried and Himari had the family they always wanted. To see them now and his nieces and nephew he was glad to have had this celebration. No doubt he would continue to meet others he held dear. Siegfried placed Kai back down on the floor.

  "All right children, introduce yourselves to your uncle," he motioned to Antares and the children hesitated. They looked to their mother for further approval and she nodded softly.

  Kai fidgeted with his clothes, the previous child full of energy and wonder hid now exposed to the towering presence of his king. He summoned what little courage he had to impress his father.

  "M-my king, my name is Kai," he bowed awkwardly and Antares laughed. "Nice to meet you."

  Antares lowered himself until his eyes met Kai's. He patted his head gently. It filled him with joy to know that Siegfried had a son, that when they became Lord of Wars their lives were not over. That duty would not be the only thing they would ever be beholden to, Kai was proof that there was more for them.

  "It is a pleasure to meet you Kai," a beaming smile flashed across his face. "You look so much like your father."

  Kai blushed at the compliment. Antares turned to the other two children next to Himari and they introduced themselves as Phoebe Xerxes and Yui Xerxes. Both daughters resemble their mother in different ways. Their temperament being reserved, amused Antares, he no doubt knew that was due to Himaris' doing. She far better represented Stygian nobility than some Stygian nobles themselves. Although not as shy as Kai, both of them offered hugs which Antares accepted gladly.

  Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Casspien smiled to himself. He was glad Antares was home, though he never perhaps fully expressed those beliefs to him. He hoped his constant nagging on having the celebration was proof enough of his joy of having him home. They had been lost for so long, swept up by the responsibilities of their duties, but now for the first time in a long time. Casspien hoped this celebration would show Antares that there was a future worth living for. That there were people who they needed to protect. He wanted the young king to regain his belief and purpose in not only himself but Casspien as well. All was not lost and Antares could guide them, save them.

  Antares spoke with Himari and Siegfried for some time. As they regaled him with their time in the town of Euphrates and all that went on that far west. As he listened to them in the back of his mind he recalled how much they both meant to each other. Some part of him was envious at their love for he once experienced what they shared. But circumstances could not allow it to bloom to fruition. Nevertheless, to see his cousin have the life that he so desperately fought for he was happy for him. A large grin crossed Antares face as they spoke. When he looked at Siegfried and his family, they were the future that he envisioned for Iliad. And now he saw that future all too clearly.

  "Alright come along children," Himari, motioned to her little ones. "Your father has much to discuss with the king."

  "Can't I stay?" Kai begged looking at Antares and Siegfried.

  "Well I am sure-" began Antares before he caught Himari's devilish glare. He cleared his throat. " I am sure you should listen to your mother little one. One day soon you will join us in our conversations."

  "But father!" Kai turned to his father with puffed cheeks.

  Siegfried nodded his head, doing his best not to meet the eyes of his wife for fear of death, or worse. "Now the king has spoken. Listen to your mother, my son."

  Kai grumbled and went along. All his life he had heard those around him claim his father to be as strong as Antares and some even saying he was stronger. But he wondered how strong his father truly was, when he showed such fear in the presence of his mother. And now even king Antares showed that same fear. He did not know his mother to be a great warrior, but she must have been for her to make them feel that way. As he passed her Himari looked back at the men cheerfully and began on her way. Siegfried grabbed her, placed a hand on her swollen belly and kissed her. And with that Himari and the children disappeared into the crowd leaving the three men to continue their conversation.

  "Has she always been that scary?" Antares asked.

  "Yes," Siegfried and Casspien said in unison. The former with a smile on his face and the latter with distress.

  "Now that I have you both here. I spoke with Azariah and he told me of what happened with Guinevere." Antares rubbed his chin interested to hear what they both had to say.

  "It was nearly a disaster," Casspien began. "As I said it would be."

  "Come now Casspien, she fought not just Bracca but his siblings and their men." Siegfried said, championing Guinevere. "It was a commendable feat."

  "And her decision to spare the boy and the rest of the family?"

  Siegfried chuckled, "She is a knight. I am surprised you would expect anything less from her."

  "I do not," Casspien said matter of fact. "But he does," they both turned to Antares.

  The crown prince sighed he knew Casspien was holding back from speaking his true feelings. Siegfried tried as he might support Guinevere. But Antares was aware her inability to go through with what he asked of her, ordered her to do was somewhat unsettling. If not for Azariah's presence, Lord Omiros and Aldios may have escaped. Or worse yet, returned to the city looking for absolution. But still, Antares did not wish to put any blame on Guinevere.

  "The fault lies with me," he began. "You are right to be upset Casspien," he lowered his eyes.

  Casspien's expression softened. "I do not blame you or am I upset. Guinevere is a knight, Antares. She is sworn to a code to uphold honor and justice for all. To be your blade, your Lord Commander is a position that is honor less and exists to carry out your justice. You wish to make her into something she is not."

  A moment of silence passed and Casspien continued.

  "And I know you know this too. Because you would not have asked Azariah to watch over her. You can use me, you can use Siegfried or Typhon, or any of the others. It is why we were made. But she is different. As king you must learn how to wield all of us differently."

  Antares allowed Casspien's words to worm their way into his head. He understood the gravity of what he asked of Guinevere and in some ways the danger he placed upon her shoulders. As a Lord of War there was no task he could not do, no task that was too great. It was one of the many things about himself that he learned early on during his ritual. He could not afford to look upon those who served him with the same eyes. Before him was a necessary example of what could go wrong. It was a mistake he made, and one he vowed never to make again. He would never put Guinevere in such a position that she needed to wrestle with her duties as a knight. There was still so much for him to learn about himself, about ruling. And he was glad that Casspien was here to help him. As the days went on, Casspien continued to prove to him why he was right to make him his Lord Regent. With him by his side Antares slowly found confidence in himself again.

  "I understand," the young prince acknowledged. "I will not make this mistake again."

  "You will," Siegfried chimed in place a hand over his shoulder. "But you will have Casspien here to guide you when you can't guide yourself," a warm smile came across his face.

  Antares smiled.

  The celebrations continued long into the night. It was often an affair that was meant to stretch until early hours leading to the crowning ceremony. The night dragged on as the large crowd moved through different halls. Castle Xerxes was constructed to house the egos of its various rulers, hence why each room the guests walked into felt as though they stepped into a different castle. Each hall felt as though one was stepping into a divergent point in history, a distinct time. Such magnificent architecture highlighted the beauty that was Stygian culture. Each of these great kings and queens of their time engraved their mark within these hallowed halls. This was not just a celebration of the monarch to be, but of all those who came before. The songs the bards sang was a testament to this. Songs of great Stygian monarchs all who had walked these halls. Even the bards themselves sang of how this night would echo throughout history. Chandelier lights floated high above as fire danced in their reflections. The party had moved to one of the several dining halls. Here guests who had spent the long night getting acquainted with each other, would put the final touches on any alliances formed; sharing a meal. The king to be would address those congregated here in his honor, spoil them with words of power and wisdom. Give them purpose. The marble walls were adorned with portraits of various Stygian rulers, many famous for their tales sung in these very halls. The smell of various meats and drinks mixed in the air. A true feast was about to commence. The guests settled into their seats. There he stood in the doorway, facing them.

  They all sat with anticipation, even those who had merely ever caught a glimpse of him were transfixed at the appearance he cut. He was the spitting image of his father and the same air of arrogance his father carried, he did so too. He made his way towards the kings table, a thousand eyes following him, burning his every action into their minds eye. They would tell stories of this night for centuries to come, a millennia and more. He walked up the steps and looked across to see members of his family sitting in their respective seats. Casspien and Typhon were to be found next to him, both men giving him an acknowledging nod. The chair next to his empty, for if he had a Queen she would sit there. Faye crossed his mind for a moment. Lady Alena, Xenon, Siegfried, Daimion and their families and Anastasia's murderous glare round out the remaining seats. Guinevere's' was empty next to Ana's. He stopped at the table and looked at Daimion. Antares did not hide the look of disappointment he had in his younger brother and his wife. Both of them were unable to meet his eyes. All the same Daimion forced himself up, and approached his brother. He turned to face the onlookers.

  "I-I would like to thank my brother for his mercy." He swallowed hard, the words hurting him as he spoke. "I was confused... My desire to protect our home forced me to align with those who would exploit my naivety. I brought shame to my family, to my people and for that it is only right I do not accept the regency. Instead Lord Casspien should be the one to lead alongside my brother."

  A stunned look came across Casspien's face. He did not think Antares would be so bold as to announce it so suddenly. They exchanged looks and Antares nodded in support. Casspien would have responded in kind but Typhon had swarmed him with congratulations. Cheers rang out throughout the hall. The people were familiar with Casspien and his many achievements, his tales were often sung across many towns. Their glasses raised in the air as three cheers for Casspien rang out. Casspien managed to wring free of Typhon and bowed deeply first towards Antares and secondly towards the crowd. Daimion stumbled back to his seat and slunk into his chair, Cirella tried to no avail to comfort him.

  The night was filled with Daimion prostrating himself amongst the crowd. So many had he scorned and belittled over the last years, so many did he have to admit his faults to. Cirella burst into their chambers with tears running down her face. Her conversation with his brother left her needing safety. Daimion would have challenged his brother for leaving his wife in such a state but through tear filled sobs, she told him all of which they spoke. Cirella told Antares the truth and the names of those who would conspire against him. In return she and her husband were the only ones allowed to live. The night was in many ways a celebration for many, but for one it served as humiliation. To reduce the young prince to nothing but a bumbling buffoon who was led by greedy vile Stygians and merchant humans no less was a great suffering Daimion could not swallow. He sat there in his seat glaring at his silver plate before him. His reflection twisted and unrecognizable. He did not need to look at the audience to know they snickered and mocked him. This was a slight by his brother he would not recover from. Decades would be required for his opinion in the royal court, or in any court to carry favor ever again. He fought back tears.

  Antares looked to Lady Alena for guidance, for what he was about to do, what he was about to embark on would change their lives. In this room here the first lines of a new history would be written. Her sunset eyes looked back into his, burning with a purplish glow. She did not have to speak for her words to reach him. She had always believed in him. He was the son of Barranagan Xerxes, that was enough. The blood of king's flowed through him, that was enough. In his absence he would rule, he would be enough. Antares whispered his fathers name to himself, both a prayer and a battle cry. He turned to face his subjects.

  "Eight years ago I took both of my uncle's lives." He examined his hands, remembering the sensation of their blood. "I sat there covered in it, not sure whose blood I was covered in. The feeling of taking the life of people I called kin was not foreign to me. I thought their deaths would fill me with sadness, cloud my mind, but it did not. In that darkness I saw purpose, I saw the path forward."

  Murmurs began to break out within the crowd. The events of the Storm Islands rebellion were well documented. Twin Storm Lords and older brothers to the late Queen Myrra, Magni and Modi led an uprising. They refused to accept Antares as Lord King of Iliad and their home. They already had cursed him for being named a Storm Lord despite being a Stygian. Emboldened by the flames of victory over Barranagan Xerxes a decade earlier. In an attempt to avenge the death of their sister. Their violence was snuffed out by a nineteen year old Antares and the other Lords of War. Four of them made their way to the Storm Islands. And a bloodbath ensued. To hear him speak, the fabled young warrior of legend. They hung on his every word.

  "My fathers indecisiveness has allowed for other realms to look at us as a bygone era. He stood upon the scorched Fields of Asphodel holding the head of the mad Emperor Dioxeyes. Millions kneeled at his feet, shouting his name to the heavens. With the power to unite the nine realms once more for the first time in ten thousand years. He rejected his purpose, abandoning Aurum to her madness."

  Lady Alena looked at the crowd, hiding her concern as best as she could. Antares brashness was a risk, especially so soon after his fathers passing. From where she sat, she could see confusion come across the crowd. There were those who did not know how to react, yet still as many remained stoic and unmoving. Some amongst them nodded their heads agreeingly. That was enough to give her some calm. Her son's words were beginning to resonate. Antares was being heard.

  "And what has happened in the hundred years since such cowardice?"

  The crowd did not have time to react to such blasphemy, for Anastasia did so for them. Such piercing hatred emanated from her and she stood up blowing her chair back. The youngest child of Barranagan would not allow such insolence to be spoken, not about her father, not even from her own brother. A chill ran throughout the crowd, she may have only been eighteen years old but many in the audience feared Anastasia. The warden of White Mountain and Queen of the Nightsisters was not one to be taken lightly. Beauty so striking even now as she glared at her brother with the intensity of the wildest storms, many drawn to her sable skin and snow white hair.

  "You see?" Antares pointed at his youngest sister not missing a beat. "I only speak what has been said, by those in the south and some of you here in this very room. And still my sister reacts with such anger. For even such words spoken by her own brother, her king necessitates violence. Too long have we slept, ignoring Aurum as those around us circled and fed upon our idleness. Our voices are unheard. When the Jade Empire turned the shores of Ichika and Hathor to oceans of red. Who was it that halted the Samsara? When the Empire of The Four Kings of Man sought to eat the stars. Who was it that blackened the night sky hiding them? Every threat to Aurum has been faced by us. Stopped by us."

  More heads were nodding, Stygian and human alike. It was only here in Iliad did they live in such harmony, through the millennia their differences dissolved all in service of the throne. House Xerxes stood tall, and all in the crowd here today were remembering that. Anastasia, sat back down her chair brought to her by a servant. Lady Alena gripped her armrest. Antares was close, the crowd swept up in his aura. She herself focused on his words. For all their similarities Antares and his father had one glaring difference, Antares had ambition.

  "I will not abandon you, never again. My reign will not be marked with quelling dissidents within my realm, no. I am beyond that. What I will be remembered for is fixing a mistake, my forefathers and those like them have made. I seek to right a ninety thousand year false step. I seek the return of the Nine Grimoires of Nyx and with it control of our destiny."

  What he had said was an impossibility. And yet the thunderous applause rang out like wildfire. Hundreds rose to their feet, cheering with renewed jubilation and fervor. He spoke the words many of them wished to hear. The words they carried in their hearts for many of them, for centuries. What Antares had done was give them purpose once more. His name echoed throughout the halls with such force the glass windows shook with anticipation. Antares looked upon his audience with a deterministic look, even still a smile escaped his lips. Iliad would no longer be resigned to fade into history like so many hoped both within and outside her borders. He would not let her, there was still much of his plans he did not reveal, not to them, not to anyone. He would succeed where so many before had failed. The elders and the ancestors would not shape their future. It would be done by his hands.