Hytheira--Part 1: The Tunnels Underneath

Hytheira was a beautiful city, but also birthplace of the hatred that plaqued the world.

Hytheira: The Ocean City

PART I: The Tunnels Underneath

“Nigredo, Nigredo!” a little voice called, rushing up the otherwise quiet street, only stopping to glance, then stare at the apple vendor.  “Do you want an apple?” she pointed to the cart, full of shiny ruby red apples, all perfectly stacked into a pyramid of juicy glory. A man stood behind it, wearing a crude apron and a warm smile.  The little girl’s mother came up behind her and plucked her up.
         “Sweetheart,’ she cooed, stroking her daughter’s wonderfully curly hair, “you have to pay for it. I’m already planning dinner for tonight.” The toddler look confused, but, realizing she was being denied, her look turned into frustration.
         “It’s alright, mother,” a boy said, fishing change from his pocket.  Before she could protest, he handed the money over to the vendor.  He smiled sweetly up at his sister, sitting in his mother’s strong arms and finished, “I’d love an apple.”  It was plopped in his outstretched hand.  “Thank you very much, sir,” he whispered to him, and he gave him a wink.  He turned back to his sister and bowed. “Thank you for offering me an apple,” he said to her.  She laughed gleefully, clapping her  pudgy hands at the show.  His mother joined.
         “Quite the little prince, are we?” She set her squirming daughter down.  “You certainly know how to charm!” Her hands were on her hips, but she didn't look at all stern.
         “Aye, madam!” the vendor cut, laughing as well, “Must be that Royal blood in ‘em.  Everybody seems to like ‘em.”  He leaned his elbow on his cart, just making eye contact with the tall, willowy woman.  “You should be proud!”  She smiled, but said nothing.  Her son spoke for her, the same speech he always gave,
         “But, alas, I am not a Prince,” Nigredo said to no-one in particular, “I cannot leave my family for the responsibilities of the Royal House. I would much rather…” he knelt down to his bubbling sister, and kissed her hand gentlemanly, “stay with my family.”  She responded gleefully and blushed.  His mother exchanged concerned glances, but it ended in another laugh.
         “Aye, that is true, little one.  You aren’t a Prince. But one’s mind shant be clouded.  The Royal House isn’t much different than anyone else’s.”  He gave his mother a wink.  Nigredo saw this, but didn’t seem to understand.
         “Thank you for your gracious gesture,” he asserted, trying to direct the attention somewhere else.
         “Ha!” the old man’s voice barked, ending the conversation. “Best be on your way then.”
         “See you soon!” bade the mother, taking her children’s hands in each of her own.  “Ready to go see father?”  The two nodded in unison.  “Let’s go!”

And the three of them skipped down the cobbled street, the vague winds of change flailing their bright clothes behind them.

***

A young man was pacing back and forth, in a grand house, mumbling to himself, trying to absorb what was just said to him. He scratched his head anxiously.
         “I don’t think it’s a good idea, father. I’m not sure if he’s ready.” 
The man he spoke to sat in a desk, in a grand room indeed, with gold chairs and tapestries upon the walls, and beautiful hand carved furniture.  He was hunched over his study, drumming his fingers with both impatience and deliverence. He remained silent for so long, his son thought he had lost the ability to speak.  He did though, and he snapped out of his chair while doing so, startling his son.  There was a warm smile on his face.
         “He is ready,” he calmed, touching his son’s full and shiny hair (which was not unlike his own), “because you are ready. You must take care of him--guide him through what is to come.”  It sounded like a speech given many times before; practiced.
         “But, are you sure? He’s so young!”
         “Ha! So are you, boy.”  His son squirmed uneasily.
         “But..” suddenly the young man looked even smaller in his presence, in the large room. The look on his face was noticed at once.  A reassuring hand clapped his shoulder.
         “Of course you’re talented! By gods, never think I ever compare my sons again!” he tugged him closer. “Both of you are quite exceptional.”  He paused and kneeled. The boy was quite tall for his age, but his father was still much, much bigger.  “Now listen to me.  My brother may be the ruler of this city, but I am not.  One thing you must always remember is this.”  He grasped his son’s shoulders, just to make certain he knew this was important.  “The moment you think you’re better than anyone else, you’re done for.  Done.”  His son nodded, not quite understanding.  “You will not fully understand right away, but please understand this statement’s importance.  Your brother must know this too. Got it?”
         “Yes,” he nodded, “I understand.”  This was said truthfully; carefully.
         “Ha!” he slapped him on the shoulder again. “Good!”
The boy gulped.  He knew something had been coming for a while, but…

         “FATHER!”

         The door burst open, and a little girl came rushing inside.  He was only puzzled for a moment, and soon his arms opened up to welcome his daughter.
         “Hello Fethenai! You seem quite energetic today!”  She giggled and said,
         “I told you daddy, it’s Feth! How many times do I have to remind you?”  He ruffled her long, luscious hair.  His eyes became distant for a moment.
         “You have the power of the sun,” he beamed, “giving light and laughter to everyone in its wake.”  His eyes were dripping with meaning as he moved a ringlet from her eyes.  Her wide, spirited eyes looked straight past him.  She had no idea what he was talking about.

“Nrakkon!” 
Nigredo was in next, rushing towards his brother.  He took no hesitation in welcoming him, and grabbed his neck, ruffling his hair with his fist.
         “Hey! Easy with the neck!” Nigredo joked, trying to swat him away.  Nigredo was no match for him however, Nigredo’s flailing hands missed him by a long shot.  Still, his smile did not fade.

         Determination.  Something he would definitely need. Nrakkon let go of him and he went bounding toward his father.  Feth caught sight of him and came squealing towards her brother, angry with herself for momentarily forgetting him.
         “Father,” Nigredo said, his maturity returning. They enclosed in a hug, and came apart both smiling.
         “Have you been busy? He seemed a little more stature when speaking to him than Nrakkon.
         “Oh, yes!”
         “What have you been up to?” he said, putting away a few scrolls.  He knew the answer, but always liked to ask anyway.
         “Oh, the same as always of course,” sighed his mother before he could answer.  She had entered the room quietly, behind her children.  Her husband knew her voice at once and then strode over, planting a soft kiss on her cheek.
         “The same, you say? Exploring? Running amok?”  He sounded as if he spoke to his wife, but Nigredo knew better. He looked up at them and answered.
         “Of course!” he said, with a bit of pride,
         “That’s wonderful dear,” his mother sparkled.  She exchanged a glance with his father, and his eyes lost a bit of their child-like flare.  He passed the look on to Nrakkon, who was sitting with a chattering Feth. He took the hint.
         “Shall I give you a tour of the upstairs rooms?  They’re quite pretty you know,” he said to her, offering his hand.  She took it with the same summery anticipation she always had, and they bounded up the smooth oak stairs.
         The room was deathly silent upon their absence.  Nigredo immediately knew what was coming, and took a seat in one of the grand chairs.
         “Is it that time already? I thought you would wait a bit longer.”  He smiled faintly, his childishness gone. His father pulled up a chair across from him.
         “It is not about waiting.  It is about knowing a good time to start.  Things like this cannot be rushed.”  He touched Nigredo’s right cheek, staring at the mark upon it.  It did not match the one upon his own face.  “Today I am simply giving you your sword.”  He tried not to sound the least bit excited, but Nigredo saw through him. “It is from your uncle, you know.”
         “But now it is from you?”  He gave a bit of a laugh. Nigredo had caught onto him.
         “Yes.  My brother gave it to me.  It used to be his, at his Royaling.” 
It was then that there came a th-the-thudding from somewhere hidden.  A violent, desperate thudding.  “Oh, dear me, I forgot to let it out!” He snapped his fingers.  Whatever held it must have been opened, for it came flying into the room, only calming down when it passed through father and son. It sat calmly in the air, waiting for someone to take hold of its hilt.
         “Are you sure about this? It is your sword, isn’t it?  You don’t wish to keep it?” he glanced at the silver handle, sparkling with peacock blue and ultramarine jewels.
         “A weapon only works when you mean what you do. I have not used it, ever. I am too peaceful of a man.  You, however, might find a use for it.”  His wife shot him a warning glance, but said nothing.
         “A use?  What sort?”  His innocence was hard to comprehend. A weapon was used for self defence, but he refused to believe it.
         “Anything you and your heart decide.  The sword itself will not help you.  It is what you plan on doing with it that the real power comes.”  He paused to add the customary:  “Do you understand?” just to make sure.
         Nigredo stared at this new object, suddenly wishing Nrakkon was still there.  There was wisdom in his father’s words, yes, but was he ready for the responsibility? Just a few moments earlier he was speaking of running amok in the streets.
         “You are not alone, Nigredo.  You never will be.  We will be here for you.  The city will be here for you.”  His mother moved closer and stood beside her husband.
         “The road needn’t seem so dark,” she spoke softly.  “You can do it.” 
Nigredo’s bewildering, childish eyes rolled to his mother’s, his father’s, and to the sword.  Family and Royalty.  Could be have both?

He grabbed the hilt.

Its animal behaviour stopped at once.  Nigredo must have felt its power seep into him, for he was smiling now, his hand trembling.
         “You know I gave you a sheath on first Phase, correct?”  Nigredo’s  eyes glanced at it strung on his side, but his head didn’t move.
         “Correct.”  He plucked the sword from the air.  It immediately became quite heavy. “If I may ask …” he examined the intricate designs in the metal.  A strange horse with a horn, vines, a hummingbird.  “What would happen if this sword is used by someone else?”  He remembered the feeling of power--the shaking of his hand.
         “Nothing.  It will always be just a sword.  It will not grant the user any power they don’t already have, but it won’t injure them either.  That is,” he began to add, giving Nigredo a scolding tone, “unless you wish to put some sort of spell on it.  I advise you not to, but if times are desperate, it may be useful.”  Nigredo nodded and slid the sword in the empty sheath.  He felt the weight on him at once, but quickly adjusted.

A knock came at the door now, which was still slightly ajar.
         “Come in!” called the father, not moving from his chair.  He knew who it was before it even opened.  The fact that she was standing there, as she so often did, seemed a bit comforting after all he had just said.
         “Hello, Royal Swift,” said their guest with a little bow.
         “Hello Tantianna!” all three chirped.  Her regal composure was clearly addressed to the oldest of the three of them, but her eyes were fixed on Nigredo.
         “Is Nigredo finished with business now?”  She began speaking to him and him alone, “There’s a wonderful new trader’s ship out by the north docks. Do you want to go see?”
         This girl had the same poise his mother pocessed, but her eyes were wild, exciting, longing for adventure, just like her friend she spoke to now.  Both of them smiled.
         “Yes, I believe he’s finished,”  said his mother. Her husband looked ready to argue, but he only spat the word ‘Lilitha’ before he shut his mouth.  He knew better than to argue with a woman.  Nigredo got up hastily to leave, the vigour returning to his eyes.
         “Uh-uh!  Take a cloak dear, the trade winds are a bit chilly today.”  Slightly annoyed, Nigredo blew past them to begin the search for one that would fit.  When he found one and tugged it on, Lilitha was glad it covered the glimmering sword’s hilt.  He bade his mother goodbye. “Be careful!” she called after, but they were already out the door and onto the cobbled street, running through the masses of people as if there was nothing there but the old stone buildings, each worthy of exploring in their own right.
         “So,” sighed Lilitha, “how is your brother going to take this Dresden?  Think he’ll protest?”
         “Hmm,” he stroked his chin a little, out of habit.  “He will have to see for himself. I never could really convince him of anything.  If I believe in him, and he believes in himself, that is all Nigredo needs.”  The children had all but disappeared from their view at that very moment.

***

“When did it come in?”  Nigredo huffed, running along Tantianna’s side.
         “Last night.  Just before sundown. It’s one of the largest I’ve ever seen!” her voice squeaked involuntarily, but her run did not slow.
         “Have you seen the captain?”  The anticipation was bubbling now.
         “Caught a glimpse of him, yeah.  He stands out a bit, that one.”  Her words were crude, but she didn’t sound prejudiced at all.  After all, both of them had met quite the array of eccentrics along the docks.  The two rounded a corner, matching each-other stride for stride.  Both knew the streets, the avenues, the boulevards and the taverns, therefore they kept their gaze ahead of them, not paying attention to the usual sights, minds set on their goal.
         The docks were crowded, despite the fact it was late in the day.  Merchants and traders wove their way around the children, not giving them a second glance.  They were a common sight, after all.
         “There it is!  The one with three masts!” Tantianna heaved, slowing her stride.  She rolled her head in the direction of the ship.  Nigredo caught sight of it immediately.  Its sails were much bigger than all the other lined up beside it, and it was the only one with six main sails instead of four.  Not only its sails were bigger, but the entire ship, in all its hand carved exterior glory, spanned two of the smaller merchant boats.  Her deck was full of her crew; men were helping stock this and that, throwing boxes and barrels to one another, shouting over the docks' many outer voices.
         “Oh my,” breathed Nigredo, “is it a pirate ship? A merchant’s boat needn’t be so grand.”  Tantianna smiled.
         “No,” was all she said.
         They rounded the front of the ship now, and stopped their sprint, staring up at the ship’s ornate mermaid figurehead.
         “Shall we get closer?” asked Nigredo, still staring straight upward, “They look busy.  Maybe they’ll be pulling out soon.”  Tantianna said nothing, trying desperately to think of something that would keep them there a little longer.
         “OI! YOU TWO DOWN THERE!”  The children jumped at now being recognized, and their heads swivelled to and fro, trying to find one person among so many. Tantianna’s hand shot up.
         “There he is! On the front mast’s ropes!”

Sure enough, a man hung there awkwardly, half his body dangling in air, staring at the children.  He wore a funny expression, and his right eye, Nigredo noticed, seemed a bit off, but he was too far away to tell why.
         “Aye, I’m looking at you!”  He jumped the few feet back to the deck.  “Stay there!” he disappeared through the bustling crew, blasting a few orders along the way.  Nigredo and Tantianna turned to each-other, faces flushed.
         “Was he the captain?!” both said, one asking, one screaming.
         “That was easy,” Nigredo breathed. “You’re right,”  he caught a glimpse of him dodging barrels and barking orders, “he is a bit different.” Nigredo smiled, taking the moment to remember other strange happenings they’d had over the many shipping seasons.  Both of them had been returning to this place for quite a long time.  It was where they’d met, after all.  He pulled at this cloak, just then remembering the heavy sword which it covered.  The days of coming here were going to end. Soon.
         “Tantianna…” he grabbed her hand before she could pull away.  “I’m really glad you brought me here.”  She blushed, and her mouth opened to say those three life changing words.
         “Oi! You two okay?” the captain called, bounding down the boarding ramp.
Tantianna’s mouth closed.
         The eccentric ambled up to them, took in their faces, and began to speak in a very different tone than before.  His slang had disappeared.
         “Would you like me to give you a tour?  I’ll be staying here for over a week, I assume.  I like to finish stocking early--that’s what they’re doing now--so the crew can have a good rest.”  He glanced at his ship behind him.  Cocking his head toward it, he asked, “So? Waddaya think?”
         Tantianna’s heart leaped into her throat.  She rushed ahead, overflowing with excitement.
         “Come on Nigredo!  Stop staring!  Let’s go!” Her arms urged him over.

Maybe those days weren’t quite over yet.  Nigredo ran after, his gilded cloak flailing behind him.

***

         “Well, you seem to know quite a lot about ships already,” chuckled the captain, “there isn’t much else I can show you.”
         “There are a lot of boats here.  We come often,” Nigredo told.
         “I see.  Please, sit down.  And don’t look so nervous! This isn’t scholar’s House, you know.”  The two were only slightly surprised when two chairs waddled up to greet them.  They sat down, staring at the eccentric captain, wondering how in the world they had gotten there so easily.
         “My name is Waldeck,” he said curtly, sitting down at his study.  “Welcome aboard my ship.  Not many get to visit my quarters, you know.  It’s my quiet place.”  He ignored his guest’s puzzled glances, and carried on.  “I’ve been watching you girl, as you have watched me,” he said directly to Tantianna, a warm smile growing on his face.  “Did you sense something about this ship?”  She bit her lip, uneasy now that the conversation had turned toward her.
         “It was big, I guess.”
The captain laughed.
         “Yes, that is true.  She’s withstood many storms and batterings because of that, but she is much more.”  He glanced at Nigredo, whose lips were sealed..  He noticed he was staring at him, but he didn’t seem to care. After all, he got that a lot.  “Something wrong, boy? You seem a bit stumped.”
         “Oh!”  Nigredo’s heart jumped in his throat.  “It was just…” he searched for kind words, but he knew there was no other way of putting it than: “Your eye.  There isn’t something wrong with it, is there?”  Tantianna glanced at Nigredo, sharing his uneasiness.  It was one thing to be out in the open with a man with a part of his face to cover, another thing completely to be locked in a room with one.  Waldeck laughed, slicing through the tension.
         “It’s just an eye patch you see!  Don’t worry, the wound is old.”  He touched in lightly, but did not lift it.  His smile faded to a frown. Nigredo noticed this right away, adding to his suspicion.  A question, an unrelated one, popped into his head, and out his mouth before he could stop it.
         “Do you know my father?”  He felt his voice break for a moment, and sank into his seat, embarrassed.  Waldeck’s hand fell on the table, making a sound too loud for such a small room.
         “It seems you are catching onto me.”  He paused as if to gain his composure.  “Yes, I know your father.  A great many people do.”  Nigredo noticed at once this was an excuse; avoidance. The look on this man’s face was no longer an honest one.
         “No.”
         “What?”
         “No.  That isn’t true.  A great many people have met my father, yes, but very few know him. You know him well, don’t you? I  can tell by the look on your face.”  Nigredo was the one in power now.  Tantianna’s mouth dropped open, stunned. He was on the edge of his seat now, interrogating. “Tell me, do you know him well? I think I remember your name now.  He said it once, I think.”
         Waldeck gave a little snort and ruffled his scruffy hair. He had been revealed, by someone a third of his age. It was more humorous than infuriating.
         “I was warned about your curiosity.  No, wait, both of your curiosity.”  He stared at both of them, only now realizing they were much more than foolish children.
         “So you know us then?” Tantianna sighed, looking disappointed. “You were sent here.”  Waldeck sighed, now feeling disappointed himself.  Both of them who were so full of vigour before were just the opposite now; listless, only sitting before him out of politeness.
         “No, I came on my own will.”  He paused, glancing at the sword at Nigredo’s side.  “Your father hasn’t seen me since your brother was born.  I set sail then, and I haven’t been back since.”
         “Sail?”  Tantianna’s voice sounded quieter than usual.
         “Yes. I have seen lands you ought not dream of,” he saw the light rekindle in the children’s eyes, “I have felt the ground of dozens of lands beneath my feet, I have tasted the foods of many nations…” he stood up now, and walked free of his desk, grinning down at them.  “But I thought it time to come home. At least for a little while.”
         Nigredo leaned to get a look at Tantianna’s face.  She smiled back at him dully, not understanding why he stared.
         “I know both of you are very busy children, but would you mind giving me a tour of the city? I haven’t been home in a long time.  You know, where to get the best meals in town?  Or the places with the best view of the sea? I can never part with it for long.” He knew the answer from their excited faces, which were overwhelmed already.
         “What, you mean right now?”  Tantianna was squirming in her seat even more than Nigredo, who was beginning to pick at the cushion’s bindings.
         “Sure! Why not? Time shan't be wasted!”

         The three of them were out on the deck and down the ramp in moments, Waldeck  shouting a few orders along the way--promising his men he would he back with food and a map--they  shouted back at him with cheers and applause, then continued stacking, stocking, cleaning, not paying any attention to a full grown man and two strange children ducking under ropes, barrels and people.
They had great fun that day, and for days after.  Nigredo spent every waking moment studying the ship, climbing the ropes, getting to know the crew and learning how to sail with six grand sails.  Tantianna spent as much time with him as she could.  She had almost completely forgotten about those three little words she had meant to say, and enjoyed her waning childhood to the fullest, guessing he was doing the same.  Near the end of his stay, Waldeck finally broke down to visit Dresden, Nigredo’s father, brother of the king. He assumed he would be surprised to see him, and he was glad that no-one else knew the real reason of his coming.  When they reached the house, the children ran off, still brimming with excitement, planning on telling as many as their friends about their experience as they could.  They suspected the two men they left together would be simply chatting; catching up on old times, sipping brandy.  Of course, he was really there for a much more important--and darker--reason.  Shock and awe filled Dresden’s face the moment he stepped into his house.

“By Gods!” he breathed standing boltright.  “Waldeck! I thought you dead!  Why..” he caught sight of his eye patch, but quickly looked away.  “Why did you come back?” He leaned on the back of his chair for support.
         “Calm yourself, Swift.”  He twitched at the sound of his professional name.  He was used to being called "darling" or "father" nowadays.  “You outta sit down.”  He did.
         “You, don’t have bad news, do you?” Swift let out a gasp of air, letting all of his positive assumptions go away with it.
         “I’m not sure what to call it. Nrakkon isn’t here, is he?”  Swift shook his head.
         “He’s out with his mother for the day.”  He locked eyes with him, implying he didn’t press his son’s absence much further.  “He doesn’t get to do that much.”  Waldeck nodded.
         “Understood.  But, from what I know, times are about to change. Dramatically.” He scratched his head, twisting the string which held the patch. They sat in silence, both trying to understand what was just said.
         “Will it change for the better or the worse?”  Swift’s voice had shifted to a very serious, tired tone and began the search for something to drink.  Waldeck’s eyes gave a flash of lightning when he saw this, and he rose his voice in order for him to truly hear.
         “I know you’ve been living happily since Nrakkon was born!”  he tried to calm Dresden’s nerves, but he already had a dusty bottle in his hand. “I’m so sorry I had to return with something like this on my mind, but I had to. I couldn’t stay away.  Something very significant is going to happen in this city.  It could very well be something horrible.  All I know is that I had to come and warn you.  We must prepare for what is to come!” he was pleading now.  He snatched the bottle from Swift’s hand.  “It will happen when we least expect it. I don’t know if we’ll even be ready for it, if we do prepare!”
Swift snatched the bottle back.  He pulled out the cork, frowned and put it back, ashamed at himself.
         “An attack, maybe?” he suggested, putting the liquor back on his desk.  Waldeck looked at it as if it was some dangerous animal, and with a flick of his wrist it flew to the cupboard and locked itself away before Dresden could argue.
         “Yes, I believe so.  Though, I couldn’t say who by. They are unknowns.”
         “That’s unheard of!” Swift snorted, puffing himself up.  “We have no enemies.  Besides, we’ve never been attacked before. We know every trading giant in the country. There’s no way any of them could be upset without me or my brother knowing, and even they wouldn’t dare attack us!”
Waldeck shook his head and wrung his bony, scarred hands, growing nervous.
         “It shall happen.  I am sure of it! Don’t deny me, of all people!”  Swift stared hard at him, the news, like a slow, heavy fog clouding his head. Everything was about to change--maybe destroyed.
         “I will contact my brother shortly,” Dresden sighed, “and we’ll call a conference with all the Leaders.  Security will be increased--that’s a given--but that is all that can be done before we know more.”  Swift bent down to Waldeck, still sitting stiffly in his favourite chair, and came dangerously close to his face--and his covered eye. “So, will you run away then?  Or will you stay here and see if your premonition is correct?”
Waldeck glared back, his single eye narrowing.
         “I am no coward,” he spat, “and don’t you ever use that tone with me again!” Swift backed away a little, surprised at his sudden aggressiveness. Soon, Waldeck smiled. “It is most unlike you, acting like this.  Well,” he got up abruptly, ending the conversation, “I told the children to return home before dinner. Nigredo should be back soon. I will be back at sunset to begin plans.  Until then..” he opened the door, and gave a delightfully evil grin. “Take care of yourself.”  And then the door closed, leaving Royal Dresden Swift miserably, and so utterly alone.

         Soon the children and Lilitha returned.  They were greeted by their eldest family member at the door, and coolly asked to sit.  He said nothing else; just sit and listen.  Lilitha immediately knew something was going to hit them hard, and picked up her feisty daughter, sitting her on her lap, twirling her hair without even realizing it. The news spilled from Swift’s mouth like molasses: sticky; dark; slow.  Lilitha said nothing, desperately trying to calm her sobbing daughter.  Nrakkon was up and pacing back and forth, snapping at anyone who dared comfort him, at times cursing.
         “How do we know this isn’t all a load of rubbish?” he barked at his father, his fists clenched.  “Why should we get so worried over someone’s words?  Words! That’s all they are!”  His father grabbed his wrist, stabbing him with his stern eyes.
         “It is much better to be safe than sorry.  I trust Waldeck’s words as I do my familys'.  He travelled long and far to get here, just to tell me this. That is why I’m worried.  He wouldn’t of bothered if it weren’t true.”  True. It was true. 
         Nrakkon’s face was sour, but he said nothing.

***

         A grand meeting was held that night, just after sunset, with Waldeck in attendance.  There were much more speeches than shouting and arguing (like previous councils), given the graveness of the news.  Small disagreements arose, but each was quickly solved by a short, logical answer. The night was long and tiring, but conclusions were met.
         “I have heard word of a rebel group,”  Swift said to the head governor.  “They raided the badlands a while ago, but failed.” The old man raised his brows.
         “Why would they attack us?  We do not even know of their name! We have nothing to offer.”  Swift took a swig of water.
         “They are the only culprits I can think of,” he grumbled.  The governor grunted, unimpressed.
         “If this earth were free of havoc, we would learn nothing.” Before Swift could comment, someone took the governor’s arm and led him away.  Swift cursed, and went to find his brother.  He wasn’t hard to find at all. He was the only one surrounded by people on all sides. He also was the tallest amongst all the old men; his head poked out from the crowd.  He spoke sparingly, trying to soak up all the chatter.  His eyes met his brother’s and he began to budge his way through the people, breaking off his conversations like twigs.  It was several long moments before the brothers faced each-other.
         “Ha! Always the center of attention,” Swift murmured into his glass, avoiding his brother’s burning eyes.
         “And you always loved to watch,” sneered Daine.  A moment of silence lingered between them, each of their minds wandering off into the past--their long ago childhood.
         Swift coughed and straightened his collar.
         “So…how is Nigredo?”  Swift only glanced at his face.  A wire thin smile appeared on his own, as he swirled the contents of his glass.
         “I have never once counted a time you asked about Nrakkon,” he chirped, malice clearly in his voice.  He didn’t give his brother time to respond.  “I do not rank my sons, or favour one over the other.  I am surprised that you do.”
Daine shook his head, disappointed at where this was going.
         “This is not the time for family matters, Dresden.  There are more important matters at hand.”  Swift bit his lip. He bowed his head for a moment, seemingly sulking.
         “My family is the most important matter,” he stated.  Daine wrung his hands, and stared to the floor.
         “Look, I’m sorry if my actions offended you. But as I’ve heard…” he swung his head around the room.  “Nigredo was Royaled seven days ago?  You chose him?”  Dresden didn’t nod, only stared.
         “Nrakkon and I have talked it over, as did Lilitha and I.  It is has been agreed Nigredo will be your successor to the Royal house.”  He paused, looking for some falter in his brother’s face.  He’d worked hard on his reputation as leader.  Swift knew he wasn’t about to be outdone by a child.  His face might have been hard, but he could see the utter distaste in his sibling’s eyes.  “Yes, it is true.  The moment he comes of age, your eighty season rule will end.  Nigredo Swift replaces Daine the Strong.  Yours is the shortest rule of any, isn’t it?”  The distaste in Daine’s face grew to utter outrage. He could see it. He wanted nothing more than to strangle him.  He could have done it too--he was certainly strong enough--but he only gritted his teeth, not daring to do anything else with so many people in the room.
         “I can’t say I did not expect my decision.  Nrakkon knows his brother, dare I say, better than I do.  He is the one who will train him; Nigredo needs him. It would be a crime to give his guide to you.  It is clear now that he is a guide, not a leader.  This is my decision--and it is Nigredo’s. There is nothing else to discuss.”
         Daine was thoroughly impressed at his speech.  He gave him a little smile, slicing through the tension.  The two men glanced around awkwardly, clearing their throats, only now aware of the attention they had gained themselves.  Eventually, the stabbing eyes turned away, and the room rose up to its perpetual chatter.
         “You’re right,” Swift sighed. Daine was taken slightly aback, though he wasn’t quite sure what he was talking about. He was about to say so when Dresden continued, “There are more important matters than us.”  Daine nodded. The subject had been changed. About time. 
         “I found it a bit odd Waldeck came straight to you, even after what he did so long ago.”  He rubbed his neck. “He would have saved himself a lot of trouble by coming straight to me.”
         “Yes, I did find that odd. Maybe,” be bowed his head, mumbling into his glass again, “it was a gesture of apology for his crude departure last time.”  He glanced up at his brother, who suddenly had become stark still. “Something wrong?”  Both of them glanced behind, both feeling the prickles on the back of their necks.  “Oh..him.”  Waldeck was a few feet away, rambling off to a few governors. Daine grunted. He certainly was a character, Waldeck.  Trusting him was difficult; he came and went as he pleased, and that eye.  That god damn eye.
         “Daine,” Swift put a hand on his shoulder.  “You okay?”
         His eyes were narrowed in deep thought, his mouth forming a thin line.  He always kept that eye covered.  No-one had ever seen it naked.  Daine pictured it as stark white, watery, and red rimmed, possibly larger than his other. He wondered if there was a lid to cover it, if there were lashes surrounding it, and if there was any coloring to it at all.  He felt goose-bumps rise on his arms as his mind formed images. Maybe that was why people didn’t trust him; he just creeped them out.
         Swift caught him staring. He knew that, in a few moments, Waldeck would be staring back.  Whether he saw them or not, he always knew he was being stared at. He waited patiently as a glistening bead of sweat slid down his brother’s open neck.  He watched the darks of his eyes grow wider, he watched the way he wrung his hands.  Swift wasn’t afraid of Waldeck, but it was quite apparent his brother was.  Maybe it was just his superstitions coming through, or just the eye itself.  He didn’t know for sure.  Swift heard his breath stop.  He immediately shot a glance at Waldeck.  He was staring back all right.  It was not a cold stare, but he seemed to take it that way. Waldeck seemed curious more than anything as to Daine’s reaction.  Swift smiled, and shouted:
         “Hey Waldeck! Got a moment?” he nodded back, and wormed his way through the crowd as Dresden had done earlier.  He got a dirty, almost hating look from his brother, but he ignored it.  “Oh would you relax?  I’m asking him a few questions.  He’s never going to lift that patch, so quit worrying.”  He had a scolding tone now, one that his older, stronger brother had never heard.  He was used to being the one in charge; the way his younger, quieter brother spoke to him now was infuriating. What was with his sudden change in attitude?  Waldeck stepped in front of them, eyed Daine head to foot and said,
         “You’ve changed.”  He was not joking. He often didn’t. Swift had had enough fun with his brother.  Now it was time for business.  He exchanged a concerned look with the sailor.
         “Could I ask for a moment alone?” he asked his brother, though he already knew the answer.
         “Yes.”  He turned away, grumbling something inaudible.
         “Thanks." Swift took Waldeck's shoulder and drew him away hastily. He glanced around the room. Yes, he timed himself well; the crowd of people was thinning now, and the absence of Waldeck among them made them move a lot faster.
         "So what is is that you want, Swift?" Waldeck snapped. "I thought we went over this already."
Swift grunted.
         "Hardly. I want some answers, Waldeck." His voice was grave; hostile for the first time.
         "Answers? For what?"
         "Let's not forget about the seriousness of this situation," he said grimly. "Just because you were involved with this Meeting doesn't mean we've forgotten." Waldeck's eyes darkened a bit, but then lightened. He bade Swift to continue. "Before you left last time, Daine was just elected. You knew he was in charge. You could have saved yourself a lot of trouble by going to him first instead of me." He paused, indicating Waldeck to explain. "Waldeck...why didn't you come to me instead of my brother?"
         They were both silent for a long time--but both for different reasons.
         "I thought you would know by now..." Waldeck sighed, rubbing his neck. He opened his mouth to say something, thought better, and shut it. He didn't know where he had been! For seven days the children had made him feel welcome. For seven days he avoided politics. Knowing the seriousness of his news, that didn't look good. What was he going to do? He had to think. Did the children charm him? Was he pulled toward their curiosity? He couldn't remember.
         "Well? I haven't got all day. Daine will wonder what's going on." His face had a mixture of annoyance and determination. He was going to get the answer, one way or another. "Come on! You know you can't lie to me. Not about this." He folded his arms, an indication of his waning patience.
         "I-I met your younger child at the docks--Nigredo, correct?--and what seemed to be his friend." He let out a bit of his breath, but Swift bade him to continue. "They followed the ship in, actually. Seemed fascinated with it. I invited them aboard for a bit of a tour."
         "Hm," grunted Swift, as if this was not a surprise. "They do love exploring."
Waldeck backed up a step.
         "Uh, you see, Swift, it wouldn't be that big of a deal but.."
         Swift raised his brow, confused.
         "But that was seven days ago Swift." Waldeck shut his mouth, biting his lip. He shut his eye and waited for the curses.
         "Seven DAYS?" he bellowed. When a few people glanced at him, he spoke a bit softer. "You didn't come to me for seven days? Whatever happened to 'preparing for what is to come?' And arriving with no notice beforehand--that's unacceptable!'
         Waldeck bowed his head.
         "Yes, I know. At the time it seemed like a swell idea. I wanted to get my mind off it all, and enjoy the land, like I used to. It has been a long time since I have set foot on land. Even when restocking the ship, I stay on board, filling out orders, charting out the next location..." his voice trailed off with his eyes. He had given a lame excuse, and he knew it.
         "Enough pity!" Swift snapped. "You said yourself that we must be prepared! And here you are, wasting precious time! Is there something to worry about or isn't there?"
         Swift quieted. A long, tense moment passed. Eventually Waldeck answered, mouse-like.
         "Yes. It is coming." He paused. "The thing is, Swift, I know when it will be drawing nigh. No event or lack thereof could ever speed up or delay its coming. It will come at a specific time, no matter what. That is how the Fates work."
         Swift sighed, feeling the burning in his chest cool a little. What he said made sense--what comes, comes. But..
         "But why? Why did you chooses seven days to follow children?"
Waldeck smiled. It was not the same smile the children saw; this smile was weak; thin; feeble. It was a sad smile.
         "The real reason? I wanted to gain Nigredo's trust. I know Nrakkon hates me--possibly because of what you have told him. I did not want the same of Nigredo. I believe he will need me some day."
         Swift could think of nothing to say. This seemed a more passable excuse. Moments passed, each of them biting their lip, eyes staring at the wall. After glancing at Daine, (flicking his eyepatch as he did so) Waldeck turned to leave. Swift caught his sleeve.
         "Waldeck," he whispered, " I only ask one thing of you. Just one."
         He stared back at Swift, his eye unmoving.
         "Yes?"
         "Don't leave the city. Please. Not until I tell you to. Even if your crew leaves, you must stay until this is over--until you are no longer needed. That is all I ask of you." He took his voice down again. "We don't want another repeat of last time, do we? I never did figure out what made you leave so suddenly. It was almost like you were disappointed..."
         Waldeck turned away, sighing a little. Swift called after,
         "I know I will never know the reason. You will never tell me, I know you won't. None of that matters now. They only thing that matters now is..now." Waldeck's eyes became steely, and he pried himself away from Swift's eyes, leaving him staring after, wondering if he would do the one favor, as he asked.
         Daine came shuffling over to him, his eyes following Waldeck carefully out of the room.
         "Are you two finished?" Swift laughed a little at his brother--he sounded like a small child trying to sound firm.
         "Yes, we are." He caught one more stare at Waldeck, but turned his mind to the present.
         "Good. Then we shall get on with matters, yes?" he seemed to be gaining his confidence.
         "Matters? What matters?
Daine grunted, growing impatient.

"The Royaling of your son! You have come to easily forget it." Swift sighed and walked past his brother.
         "It has all been worked out. There is nothing that needs to be discussed. It will happen in three days, at high sun, just like tradition tells us. As for the planning, the dressing, the decorating..There is a committee--I believe you elected them--just for that."
Daine clenched his fists. Was his brother, his younger brother making fun of him? "I can see your ears steaming, Daine the Strong. Why don't you take an hour's break? To cool down a bit, maybe?" He patted his shoulder. Ironically, Daine's ears became redder. Swift, turning away, took no notice. "If you have nothing else to tell me, you shall have to excuse me. I have much to discuss with my son."
         He in fact didn't have anything to tell Dresden. They both had said quite enough. The two of them went about their separate business, and did not speak to each-other for the rest of the day. The Royaling was a time of celebration for the city, even with the ominous news.


part 2 coming soon.