Ornstein grunted and panted a bit as he kept swinging around his spear, a mixture of electricity and fire pulsing around it to those with a trained eye. He was one of the head knights for good reason and it was shown in his skill and adeptness to using such an awkward weapon effectively. He was widely respected amongst the soldiers because of his skill and the fact he faced Drazernon with the other royals, and despite his humble attitude and trying to ignore his feat, his royal allies had since praised him for going head to head when everyone was unable to and losing. He didn’t care for the praise as he didn’t think himself worthy of such. He still accepted it, reluctantly so but he couldn’t stop people from loving his skill. He was currently having a sparring match with king Drax himself, the man being the most proficient swordsman in the kingdom, followed close by Maxwell and Draco. Drax kept his approach on the knight, swinging when he could and keeping himself closed to attack. Ornstein backstopped and blocked what he could, trying to read the king. The most notable thing about the king was he was left handed, with a right arm mostly unusable. It was able to move and do stuff but was incapable of any swift or quick movements so it was usually to his side. But his left arm was a different story, he swung with might, and every time the sword clashed with the spear, the onlookers wondered if it’d snap.
Ornstein grunted and made a giant leap backwards to make some distance between him and the king. He couldn’t read the man to easily, he was very well orchestrated, as if he knew his entire strategy before even coming to the fight. He had trained under Drax and Nomad so it was no surprise Drax knew what to expect but Ornstein was shocked by the lack of opening. Drax nodded as he suddenly made a quick dash to Ornstein, his feet not hitting the ground as the gap immediately closed, and with one swing upwards, knocked the royal knight into the air and landing on his back, his weapon flying across the field from the impact. Everyone watched in shock seeing Ornstein groan and lightly twitch as he stood slowly, gaining his composure and consciousness, he wasn’t expecting that in the slightest. “You’ve come a long way Ornstein, you started seeing my pattern of attack near the end. But you mustn’t focus solely on reading your enemy, while it is useful, some enemies will never let on to what they do, and will use it to trick you. My eyes had stayed focused on your eyes for that purpose, you were using my eyes and movements as a way to read where I’d swing, but by keeping my eyes on one place, you couldn’t find it. Work on that and you’ll one day grow the be the strongest knight in the kingdom.” He praised, Ornstein surprised by the praise as he knelt and listened. “Thank you your majesty, I will work diligently to make sure I make use of your lessons.” He said politely and respectfully. He was still a little winded thought in his speaking, clearly not entirely recovered from the impact. Drax smiled softly and grabbed the spear and handed it to the knight, nodding and departing with two other knights behind him, his retainers that were never apart from him.
One of the two knights was a red and black wolf, he wasn’t an ordinary knight as he wore your common robes of a mage, but they had some metal and such bound to it so he had the defense of a knight. This was Alexander Redfield, he was the most feared knight amongst Elderitch’s ranks due to learning to his his katana as a catalyst for spells, and with doing such was able to cast spells while swinging the blade. It awarded him the title of Kings Magic Knight, only one to hold said title due to no one else learning to use it like he had. The other was a young man named Jamie, brother to Alexander. He was an archer who had the same capabilities as a knight. His weapon was a massive in size bow that was almost his size, which was accompanied by arrows of similar status. He also had a handful of daggers along his belt that would be easily pulled if a quick block or kill was needed. He was awarded the title of Eagle Eye, the Kings main archer and one of the best knights amongst the ranks. It was no mystery why they were drax’s personal guard. As they departed, Alex spoke up. “Your majesty, you haven’t expressed any concern about what your son has said yet? I’m assuming you don’t think much of the Alucard question?” He asked and bowed slightly in respect as he talked, wondering about it himself as Jamie watched them. Drax thought for a moment before sighing a bit, knowing it needed to be addressed soon enough. “I think Inferno might be onto something, but the biggest concern I have is who I can send because I don’t want to risk anyone’s life for a rumor.” He told them as they walked towards the throne room. Upon entering, they saw Nomad waiting as she was addressing the maids about something, the group smiling as everyone was dismissed and she turned to her husband. “And you, Saria and Millia offered to address the issue out young prince had brought up. They will be departing in an hour to go investigate if that demon has come back.” She said, but saying demon seemed to hurt her a bit, as if a faint memory saddened her when she said it.
“I had a feeling you or Maxwell were going to undermine me if I didn’t handle it.” He chuckled but didn’t dare challenge his wife. He may have been a feared swordsman, but Nomad was even more feared in what she was capable of. She couldn’t wield a weapon but she was the best mage in the kingdom, and doubling as she was a seer so she was also able to see things others couldn’t. The royals were quite a feared couple, but also respected because it made people feel safe knowing their leaders had such power. “You got that right. I won’t let people be at worry when there’s a risk that Alucard is alive. I wonder what made him come back though, because not many have magic capable of returning a spirit to the body, and those who have that power have been in hiding for centuries because of our ancestors, because they feared this would happen with you brother. Because as my mother had done before me, she predicted Drazernon would be a evil that needed to be crushed.” She said, realizing how little possibility there was that he could be alive, but she didn’t like taking risks, she wanted to make sure things were handled before they escalated out of control. Drax wondered this himself as his royal guard watched them silently. They were allowed to give input in situations like this but even the two knights were unsure of what to say, no one wanted to believe Alucard had returned to the world, especially after Bael made quick work of executing him for the sake of everyone.
-
Saria sighed a bit as she held her staff and looked around silently as she walked to the main hall to meet up with Millia, the princess having built up concern of her own as she knew Draga’s theory wasn’t just a coincidence, he wanted to find the body, couldn’t and now her brother was having dreams about it. It was all to coincidental and she knew she had to investigate. Upon entering the main hall, she saw Millia standing there waiting, although to Saria’s surprise, Draga and Silcia were there with her, as if ready to depart as well. If this were the case, she wasn’t entirely against it since they needed help. “Surprised to see you two here. Are you sure you want to do this? Remember, the worst case scenario is why come face to face with Alucard again.” She reminded as Draga sighed and Silcia nodded. “I shouldn’t have gone against my instinct, I should’ve made sure we searched thoroughly to retrieve his body, and I just left it, this is partially my mess and I need I make sure it gets covered up.” He said with a nod while Silcia spoke up. “And to be honest, it’s my fathers fault Alucard has as much threatening power as he does, so I at least owe it to aunt Nomad and uncle Drax to do this, I gotta clear dads mess.” She said.
Millia watched Saria and nodded softly “The help us much appreciated honestly, with four of us at least there’s a better chance for us fighting Alucard. But we still need to be careful.” She said and readied her blade as she looked out towards the entrance door with a worried sigh, she didn’t like the idea of Alucard being back but she still had a duty to fulfill as she lead the way, Draga following. Saria was about to as Silcia caught her. “You’re not gonna go hunting him like that are you?” She asked as Saria examines herself confused. “You’re to girled up and princess like, we can’t let everyone know who we are with him out there, so let’s change this some.” She said and tatted roughing up her sisters hair, and started messing with the clothes to make them look a little disheveled and less royal like, Saria surprised as she did but didn’t say anything as she had a point. Silcia nodded at her work as they now looked like normal people, and not royals. “There, now you look like a normal everyday girl. Well tomboy anyways, but you’re less flashy and won’t attract immediate attention, except your fire red hair color. You stick out with the unique color.” She said as Saria took offense about her hair color but Silcia was already walking away before she could even argue. She quickly followed behind the group as they headed down to the common areas and looked around, not sure where to start.
“Honestly this is the hardest part, where to we even start looking for someone like this?” Draga asked as he stayed close to the others and wandered around curiously. Silcia started think as they ran into Mar, who was out for the time. “Oh, Mar. surprised you’re out and about.” She said as she glanced at him curiously. The jackal looked in surprise and smiled a bit. “Oh, yeah. Since I’m the adopted royal, I figured it was easier for me to go out and get whatever Nomad or Drax needed. It was nice of them to take me in but I felt I should repay them somehow and many don’t immediately know I’m a member of the royal family like you guys.” He said as his reasoning was solid. Millia nodded and walked over to him and examined him As she never got a good look at him before hand. “Maybe you can aid us, is there any clues as to where we might find Alucard?” She asked as mar started to think. The jackal nodded and motioned them to follow him, the four exchanging glances of curiosity amongst themselves but didn’t ask questions as they followed behind, all heading towards the outskirts of town. Mar looked around and saw smoke rising from a nearby forest as he sniffed the air.
“Over there. That’s not a wildfire, it’s a campsite. It seems there is a group of bandits there and they might know a thing or two about what you’re looking for. I’d join you but I still have some tasks to finish for their majesties before anything else, so we must part ways for now. I’ll join you if a battle ensues though, I’ll keep sensing for any sudden fighting.” Mar said and started heading back into the kingdom without another word as the group all nodded and started the other way. Silcia lead the way this time as she held her spear tightly and was a bit nervous. Despite all their strengths, she was more capable in the current situation as she knew Alucard well and knew his style by almost memory, so if it did come Down to it, she would hold off Alucard so the others could make their escape. As they grew closer to the fire, they would hear people and could tell it wasn’t many. Draga took the chance to break away and climb a nearby tree to start examining the forward ground. The black dragon scanned the area and saw a few bandits, and the leader herself. He was about to climb down to report but gasped suddenly when he saw a familiar face, an evil face at that. He saw Alucard and he wasn’t mistaken, same brown fur, same crimson eyes, same energy being let off. He quickly made his way down the tree, leaping from the branch and using his wings to slowly glide down. “Prince Inferno wasn’t wrong, that’s definitely Alucard, but how is he alive?” He asked as Saria pulled out her journal and marked where they were.
“That doesn’t matter now. We got what we came here for, let’s return to the castle and inform mom and dad what we have found. It’s best not to encounter Alucard especially in our current states as we aren’t armored except for Silcia and Draga.” She said as they had weapons but no defense. The others reluctantly agreed before silently and slowly departing from the location to now be heard. They had what they needed and that was enough for them, now they just needed a plan of action, and a method. But the question lingered on all of them, how was he alive, and what did they hope to accomplish by reviving a man with a very demonic power. The questions flooded as they made their return, but they couldn’t answer them yet. Soon though, they would. And hopefully soon put the demonic former General to rest for good, the suffering had gone on long enough.
-
Inferno wandered around town and smiled as he examined the stands and shops, the egg of Kevin lying in a small wrapping that hung around his shoulder. People smiled and watched as the prince walked, some finding it sweet to see how he cared for his soon to be child. He examined a stand that was selling different jewels, necklaces and such and he smiled. “I wonder if Ornstein would like one of these? It would be a good way to make up for the shock of what I told him.” He said and chuckled as it seemed he had told Ornstein how he felt, and after some examination, it was confirmed he was to have another child. “I wonder where he thought of the name though. John.” He wondered aloud as he held one of the necklaces “it’s a nice name, but quite unique.” He said as he paid for the necklace, it was a long silver one with a diamond shaped locket at the bottom, he had an idea for that as he waved to the owner and went off. “I still worry though, what if this second child is the same as Kevin and has this curse on him. I want to have a child but… whatever my father did has caused a lot of concern.” He said sadly as he clutched the necklace and lightly placed his claw on the egg, slowly calming his mind. His thoughts were cut short as he walked over to a table and sat, looking around.
“I’m really surprised. Despite my lineage, everyone has been so kind to me, and have accepted me. Even when the news was given that I’d be taking the throne when the time comes, everyone accepted me as the crown prince.” He said as he looked up at the sky, seeing the clouds slowly move across the blue skies. He wasn’t talking to anyone in particular, but an answer seemed to be what he needed as he heard a voice from nearby. “It’s because no one judges you for what you couldn’t control. You’re Drazernon’s son, but nobody blames you for the cruel things he did, you had no say in your life, you were just born into a bad circumstance.” The voice said, inferno taken by surprise as he looked over and saw a grey wolf standing there, a soft smile on his face as he looked. “Forgive my intrusion, it just seemed you needed that answer.” He said and sat by to look at the prince, who gently nodded, softly smiling as he did.
“Thank you, but who are you?” He asked him curiously, looking at the man who smiled softly at him. “I am Lyle. I’m not anyone special. I am just a man who lives on his own. I’ve watched you on and off since your father was defeated, I was concerned for you. But upon seeing everyone so closely accept you, I started to back down. I know how it feels to be a bit like an outcast, as I said I am on my own. But let’s not worry about that, everyone accepts you because you’re a good kid, you’re not like the father that raised you.” Lyle said to the prince, seeing a weight lifting off his heart. Inferno stood and smiled softly as he looked at the wolf again, and nodding gently. “Thank you Lyle. I appreciate that. I also appreciate you watching after me, although I wish you revealed yourself sooner, I could have someone like you be a guard to me, since I’m being required to find two I can trust. If you’d like, you should come back with me to the castle and be my guard.” He said, the wolf watching and thinking about it. He didn’t think long before having a smile and nodding as he stood up as well, accepting the offer. “Thank you Prince Inferno, that sounds like a good position, if you trust me enough. I didn’t reveal myself because I didn’t know what the others would think, but if you accept my help as your guard, I will gladly take on that role.” He told the hybrid and started walking with him to the castle.
Inferno didn’t say much else, all he did was smile as he walked, taking the wolf back to the castle. Upon arriving, Scath and Ornstein stood in the defensive seeing him. Inferno gasped in surprise and quickly had them stand back. “Guys it’s okay, he’s with me. This is Lyle, I’m going to ask my father to make him my royal retainer, as I’ve been instructed to find one.” He said, Ornstein looking Lyle over. They both slowly lowered their guard as Ornstein evaluated him. “Hmm, he doesn’t seem like the fighting type on the surface, but I have a weird feeling. You’re more than you let on aren’t you?” He asked the wolf, he chuckled softly and let the two guards look him over. Upon being asked that question, Lyle chuckled and stood more at attention and cleared his throat before explaining. “I once served in the army of a neighboring kingdom. I was let go when Drazernon was defeated and I made my way here. I had heard about the son of Drazernon and took sympathy on him and wanted to make sure someone like him wasn’t hurt. I know the torment Drazernon put on this land, and no child deserves that.” He said. His intentions were noble and they both saw that, Scath smiling. She didn’t distrust the man since he wanted what they all did, the safety of the crown prince. “You share a goal some of us do. We want this poor prince the be happy, his father was horrible. The king is in the throne room, I think you’ll be the perfect guard for our crown prince.” Ornstein said. He didn’t sense any lies from the man, and trusted him to protect Inferno as he said.
The two started heading for the throne room as Lyle sighed in relief as he looked back slightly. Inferno smiled at that and chuckled softly. “Mind them, they are really protective of me. It’s to be expected since I’m in a relationship with both of them. I’m sure you’ll be fine.” He said to the wolf who nervously laughed since he felt a bit concerned from being interrogated but took what the young prince said and nodded. The two made their way to the throne room, and upon entering, bow before the king who was sitting in his throne talking with his royal guards. “Ah, my child. Who is this visitor you have brought to my audience?” He asked, standing as he walked over, both Alex and Jamie standing ready in case they had to attack. “Father, this is Lyle, I met him in town. I know you tell me not to trust people immediately but I have a request.” He said and stood as the wolf stayed bowing, Inferno looking his father in the eyes. “I would like for Lyle to be my personal guard. You told me I needed to find someone I can trust, and I feel I can trust him.” Inferno said, he was set in his opinion.
Drax examined the man carefully as he listened to his son, silently nodding as he gave a snap of his finger and looked back. “Alex, you know what to do. Inferno, let’s watch and see how he does.” The king said as Inferno joined him by the throne and the red and black wolf walked over. He set a practice blade before Lyle and got ready. “Alright, to be a guard of the crown prince, you need to prove yourself. Take up your blade and face me, show me what you’re capable of.” He said and got ready. Lyle examined the blade as he picked it up. He was surprised by the dignified way Alex spoke as it was intimidating but he didn’t let it get to him. He swung it a few times to get familiar with the blade. He never was one for physical weapons, he usually used ranged weapons like guns and rifles. He shook away his concern of the foreign weapon and ran towards Alex. He swung quickly and precisely, seeming to have a decent grasp of the weapons movement. Alex watched him and nodded as he swung and blocked the swing, the movement being like a flash of light and sudden, Lyle didn’t even notice his arm had moved. Alex then swung quickly to other way and Lyle ducked out of the range before pushing back and swinging again. The two continued that for a few moments before Lyle started analyzing what was going on. As he swung, his other arm went with it, and when their blades connected, Lyle grasped the magic knights arm and quickly threw it aside and shoulder charged him, hitting him in the stomach and knocking him back. He was taken by surprise but used the moment, and Alex kicked off the air to everyone’s shock and backflipped onto his feet and charged Lyle, who swung around and kicked him in the back. It was a purely lucky shot and they both knew that, but Alex smirked and nodded as he sheathed his blade.
“Quite impressive. Your majesty, I think he will be a good guard for Inferno. He needs practice, but his quick thinking helped him out.” Alex said and gave a dignified bow to Lyle, who quickly stood to attention and returned the favor, as well as the sword. Alex went back to his place beside the throne as Drax walked over to Lyle. “If Alex says you’re good enough, that is enough for me. Inferno is your responsibility and he means the world to me like all my kids do. Protect him with your life.” He said and smiled at the wolf. Lyle nodded as Inferno walked over while Drax continued. “Inferno, take your new retainer to get suited with a weapon and armor, and show him to your quarters where he will be guarding. You both are dismissed” he said as the two bowed. Inferno quickly hugged Drax and smiled “Thank you father, I promise you won’t be disappointed in my choice.” And before anyone could say anything else, Inferno quickly dragged Lyle off, he was like an excited little kid.
As they left, Jamie looked at Alex. “What was that about? I could tell you didn’t even think during that.” He called his brother out as Alex chuckled. “Inferno trusts him, that’s enough for me. The test was just a formality, with some training, Lyle will be a good guardian like the rest of us, don’t overthink it brother.” Alex said and looked at Drax. “I trust my instinct more than my actions, so let’s just have faith in Inferno.” He said, the king nodding in agreement, he knew Alex didn’t properly fight, but he trusted Alex and knew he knew what he was doing. Drax looked at the door and nodded gently, he had trust in Lyle to protect Inferno.
![Tale to the King [Arc: 2] [chapter: 3]](https://va.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2564/2564499_YusukeNakamura_771cf035-70a2-40c9-a5b6-f1f6d5250513_noncustom.jpg "Tale to the King [Arc: 2] [chapter: 3]")
![Tale to the King [Arc: 2] [chapter: 5]](https://va.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2580/2580324_YusukeNakamura_583f124c-d3d9-4051-b9c4-a60f4bef1248_noncustom.jpg "Tale to the King [Arc: 2] [chapter: 5]")
