Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Rayla sat in the camp, sharpening her blades. It was either that, or pacing around the camp waiting for Runaan and the others to return. The night before, she had pursued the lone sentry that found them in the forest. She had cornered him, and she had him at her mercy. But in the pivotal moment, she hesitated. She looked into that man's eyes and saw his fear. And she couldn't do it.

She wasn't sure why. For years she had been told stories of humans, their greed and cruelty. She had heard stories of how humans use Dark Magic, stealing life from innocent magical creatures to fuel its terrible power. That same power had been used on Avizandum, the Dragon King. Now, he was gone, and these same humans had shattered his one egg, killing the Dragon Prince. Now, she and the others were here in the Human Kingdoms, under the command of Runaan, her uncle, to ensure justice was done. They would kill King Harrow and his son, Prince Ezran.

Already they had performed the binding, a ceremony in which magical binds are placed on their wrists. So long as the targets breathe, the binds shall tighten, until their hands fall off.

'So why couldn't I do it!?'

Rayla had asked herself this question over and over again. She was an assassin, trained to track, fight, and kill the targets she was given. The enemies of her home and her people. Yet when she had a human of all things on the ground, in the dark of a stormy night, she let him go. And now Runaan and the others were going to complete the mission without her.

Because she was weak.

From where she sat, she could see the castle above the treeline. She knew exactly where the others were going. She also knew she was faster than any of them. It's why she was chosen for this task. Despite her youth, she was one of the best Runaan had ever trained, a match for those with years more training and experience.

If she left now, she could be there well in advance of the others. She could make this right. She could find Ezran, and complete the mission. She could prove to Runaan she was ready for this... but maybe he was right. Ethari had always supported her, but she was no fool. She remembered hearing them arguing about her. Runaan was confident she would be the best assassin in Xadia.

But Ethari disagreed. He always said she didn't have the heart to kill. She always thought that meant she was weak. Now... now she wasn't sure what to believe. She'd seen humans in their own homes and hadn't seen any of the darkness and cruelty she was warned about. All she saw were people, like so many elves, just living their lives.

'If we make it back, maybe I should talk with Ethari.'

But that was for later. For now, she would sit. She would wait. She knew if anyone could make it back, it'd be Runaan. They'd return to Xadia. From there... she didn't know. But she trusted that, sooner or later, things would work themselves out.

"Come on Ez, where are you??"

Prince Callum walked through the halls of the castle, in search of his missing brother. Sundown was just around the corner, yet he was nowhere to be found. The horses were packed and ready to go. The two of them would head to the Banther Lodge, where their Aunt Amaya would meet them.

At least they would, if he could find him!

Sighing to himself, Callum paused in his search for his brother. The entire castle was tense. Everyone, even he and Ezran despite the adult's efforts to pretend otherwise, knew that assassins were coming for the King. Revenge for a deed he had committed, in response to another wrong done against him and Katolis. But King Harrow wasn't afraid, not for himself. When Callum had spoken with him, he seemed ready to accept the likelihood of death but wanted to ensure the safety of him and Ezran.

Mentally, he began kicking himself. Ezran was just a kid, he wasn't ready to deal with all of this. And he had yelled at him, telling him the assassins were coming for Harrow. Were coming for... their dad. And now the boy was missing, in a castle he knew inside and out, and was small enough to fit into any of the openings he managed to find...

'Wait, there's one he always uses.'

It takes a few minutes to arrive, but he finds the secret passage that leads to the bakery. Ezran would always use it to sneak into the bakery and steal jelly tarts. Knowing Ez, he'd be here soon, looking to stock up on jelly tarts before they left. And just a few feet away from the secret passage, a convenient corner for him to hide around.

So he stood there, waiting, and listening. He could hear the soldiers running through the castle. Outside, he could see the sun slowly setting, which meant everyone was getting into position. Soon the full moon would rise. Soon, the assassins would be here. Soon... soon his father would be fighting for his life. And as ugly as that truth was, maybe by then, he and Ezran would be safe in the Banther Lodge.

Then, he can hear something else among the running soldiers. The light sounds of small feet on the carpet. Then, a familiar croak, followed by an even more familiar voice.

"Come on Bait, we'll just do a quick tart run, and then we'll find Callum." Croak. "I know it's important we go, but what if there's no jelly tarts at the Lodge? You don't want to try braving Aunt Amaya's cooking, do you?"

"Don't let Amaya catch you saying that."

Ezran jumped as he heard his brother's voice coming from behind. Turning around, he attempted to look sheepish.

"Hey, Callum. What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you Ez. You know we have to leave. It's almost sundown."

"I know, but, what if we don't have any jelly tarts at the Lodge?"

Callum smiled at his brother. "We can have all the jelly tarts you want when we get back, I promise. But we have to go now."

"Please, Callum. I promise, Bait and I will be super quick."

Sigh "Ezran, we have to go. If you really want jelly tarts, I'll buy you some when we leave. But there's no time for you to sneak into the bakery and back."

Ezran sighed before relenting, allowing Callum to take him by the hand and lead him to the courtyard. There, he can see the horses, loaded with supplies for their stay at the Banther Lodge. And he knows he'll have to make a quick detour to the bakery, but it was quicker than waiting for Ezran to sneak in and back. Still, before they leave, he needs to tell him something.

"Ez, before we go, I just want to say I'm sorry for what I said earlier."

"What, that we'll have jelly tarts when we get back? Why would you be sorry about that?"

"No, not that. I mean, about the assassins. The ones coming tonight."

"Oh." Ezran looks down, upset by the reminder of what Callum had said, but he presses on.

"I shouldn't have yelled at you, and I'm sorry for that."

"Thanks, Callum, but it's OK. I... I heard everybody talking about... how the elves think Dad did something terrible, and that they... they wanted revenge for it. You don't think Dad would have done something terrible, do you?"

Callum hesitates, unsure of what to say. He'd had this talk with Harrow already, and he had already admitted to having done his share of terrible things. All he can do is try to be honest, without being callous.

"I don't know Ez. This war with the elves... it's gone on for generations. That's plenty of time for terrible things to be done. There's blame enough for both sides. All we can do is try not to make things worse going forward."

Ezran nods, smiling as he does so, but then panic overtakes his face. Before Callum can see why, he hears it. The whistling of an arrow flying at him and Ezran. Instinctively ducking, the arrow narrowly misses both of them, striking the dirt at their feet. Turning to the source of the arrow, he finds what he was afraid of, a Moonshadow elf, standing atop the stables.

Behind him was the dark of the night sky. The assassins were attacking early!

"Ez, run!"

The pair are moving before the words are even out of his mouth. All thoughts of escape fade as they flee into the castle. All they could think was to hide and pray that the elf didn't find them.

Another arrow was fired, and Callum could hear the whistling of the approaching arrow. Ducking his head, he heard the sickening sound of metal piercing flesh. Turning his head, he saw one of the guards fall to the ground, an arrow piercing through his throat. Behind him, as the guard's body strikes the earth, he can hear the sounds of clashing steel. Too many for one assassin against the guards. There were more, and they were!

Slamming the door behind him, Callum races to keep up with Ezran. Just ahead of the pair, they turn a corner and pause. The assassins were just outside, facing the guards. At least one of the assassins was using a bow, but Callum remembered what he had read about Moonshadow elves. Every weapon they use has two forms, each form having a different purpose for combat. That bow likely turned into a spear, or even into a sword, which meant that be it at range or close quarters, the assassin was armed.

Any such thoughts were dispelled by the sound of the doors being thrown open. Knowing that they were followed, the pair took off deeper into the castle, hearing the sounds of someone chasing after them. Craning his head, ever so slightly, Callum sincerely wished he hadn't.

It was the same elf who had fired on them, only now he carried twin swords, stained with blood. On his face, a look of determination, and malice. This elf would kill anyone, and everyone, he saw fit, before they killed Harrow. Worse yet, the elf was fast. Even with their head start, he was slowly gaining ground on them.

Their only saving grace was their knowledge of the castle. Even better, Ezran knew nearly all of the castle's many hidden passages. The only problem was getting enough distance from him that he couldn't immediately follow. With that in mind, Callum dropped everything he could in the path of the assassin. Suits of armour clattered to the floor, while tables and other furniture made a dull thud striking the ground.

It was all for naught, as the assassin simply leaped over the mess, or ran along the walls.

Soon, he vaulted over the pair, and landed in front of them, swords at the ready, a look of grim determination on his face.

"Only one of you needs to die tonight."

Before either he or the assassin could move, Ezran stepped forward.

"Have you met Bait?"

"What?"

The incredulous assassin looked at the glow toad in Ezran's arms, and Callum knew what was coming. Bait let forth a blast of light, blinding the assassin. With the elven assassin temporarily hindered Ezran took off in the opposite direction.

"Run Callum!"

Callum made to follow, but not before shoving the assassin backwards with all of his, admittedly meagre, strength. In his disoriented state, it was enough to do the job, as the assassin fell backwards with a yell. But Callum didn't stay to watch, turning on his heels and chasing after Ezran. They only made it around the first corner when he could hear a frustrated yell, and the chase was renewed.

They needed a plan, and fast! That trick with Bait wouldn't work twice unless the assassin was gullible, and that was doubtful. More likely, he'd simply kill Bait at the first sign of trouble.

But Callum recognized this part of the castle, as they ascended one set of stairs after another. This part led to their rooms, and if he remembered correctly, there was a secret passage in one of them. This meant they had to move.

Pushing himself, and Ezran, to go as fast as possible, ground was gained. Not much, but just enough the assassin had fallen behind. Turning down one last corner, he could see the doors to their rooms. They could do it! They were going to-

All such thoughts left Callum's mind as he heard the whistling again. Before he could react, intense pain tore through his leg, and he collapsed to the ground. Looking at his left leg, he saw the arrow sticking through it. Behind him, the assassin had paused, bow in hand, as he looked at them with disdain.

"Callum!"

Callum turned back to Ezran, and saw he had paused, a look of horror on his face. Without thinking, Callum yelled at him. "Ezran, RUN!"

Spurred on by his words, Ezran took off for their rooms, while the assassin split his bow into two swords, and ran at them. Thinking on the fly, Callum grabbed the arrow where it had exited his leg, and through gritted teeth, broke the arrow. In his hand, was the arrowhead and half of its shaft. It wasn't much, but it would have to do.

As the assassin drew closer, Callum attempted to stand, makeshift weapon in hand, so he could defend his brother. But the assassin barely took notice of him. When Callum attempted to attack, he lashed out with his blade, leaving a gash down his face, over his left eye. As Callum fell back, he heard the door being broken, and a sickening sound. The same sound the guard had made when an arrow struck his throat.

Rushing to the door as best he could, he heard the smashing of glass, and threw himself, on a barely functioning leg, into his brother's room. At first, he didn't see anything. He felt relief, but then he heard Bait. Turning to the sound, his heart fell from his chest.

There, on the floor, with a distressed Bait next to him, was Ezran. He was just, lying there, his breathing shallow. Stumbling forward, he held Ezran in his arms, checking him for wounds, and then he found it. A hole, that went right through his brother's chest. The assassin had stabbed him in the chest, and left him for dead, bleeding on the floor.

"C...Callum..." Ezran's voice was hoarse, raspy, as though every breath was painful.

"I'm here Ez. Hold on Ez, it'll be OK."

"I... I'm sorry Callum... I should have..."

"Don't talk like that. Claudia'll be here soon. She can... she can fix this... you have to hold on Ezran."

"Take... take care of... Bait... promise..."

"I... I promise... I'll take care of Bait, but save your strength Ez... it'll be OK."

Callum could feel the tears in his eyes, but he didn't care. All he could see, all he could think about, was the brother he was holding in his arms.

"Hope... Dad's... alright..."

Ezran sighed as he finished speaking, and his eyes slowly closed.

"No... nononononono... Ezran! EZRAN! HELP! SOMEONE HELP!"

Fear and horror rose in Callum's heart, as he tried desperately to keep his brother alive. But Ezran did not stir, and his calls for help went unheard in a castle under attack.

In camp, Rayla's attention was divided between the night sky and the castle of Katolis. Above her, the full moon sat, bright and pure. She could feel its power rushing through her, feeling lighter than she had felt before. It was an incredible, freeing feeling of power and life.

But she was also watching the castle. Not long ago, one of the bindings had fallen off. The first of the two targets had been killed, which meant the others would be making for the final one. And even in the distance, she could make out flashes in one of the towers. Flashes of purple, the sign of Dark Magic. The humans weren't holding back.

But then neither would Runaan. He wouldn't hesitate like her. He wouldn't offer mercy. He would find the target, and end their lives, along with the lives of any who stood in his way. 

As another flash of purple light could be seen, Rayla made a decision. She hopped off the rock she'd been sitting on, and made for the castle at full speed. With the full moon empowering her, she was even faster than before. Racing through the forest, leaping through the trees, she knew that even if she wasn't strong enough to take a life, maybe she could help the others escape the castle.

Rayla flinched mid-jump, as she felt something on her wrist. The second binding broke and fell from her wrist. The targets were dealt with. She should be relieved the mission was complete. Justice for Avizandum and the Dragon Prince was done.

But something was gnawing away at her. Something buried deep within her. A sense of unease, of foreboding dread. A sense that something terrible was about to happen.

Runaan was alive, against all odds. That damned mage was more dangerous than even he was expecting. Good thing the bastard was pinned to a wall with an arrow in his shoulder. He wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. But then it was likely neither was he.

That was perhaps the most difficult fight of his life. That was to be expected, given the humans were alerted to their presence. The best of the king's men were ready to lay down their lives for him, and they fought without fear or hesitation.

It was admirable, even if they were humans.

But the king and that mage... they were something else.

King Harrow was strong and skilled, more so than any target he had ever fought before. Even with all of their skill and training, it took two of them just to injure the bastard enough for Runaan to land the killing blow. Of course, right after landing that injury, Harrow decapitated one and sliced in half the second. That mage, Viren was what Harrow called him, butchered a third with some monstrous spell, and would have killed a fourth, were it not for the arrow pinning him in place.

That didn't stop Harrow from killing the last of his men, leaving him to face the King alone.

But he had done it. He was bloodied, and injured, but he had done it. The task was complete, and he had sent the Shadowhawk with both blood ribbons. But now he had another problem. Behind him came reinforcement, along with another Dark Mage, a young woman this time.

He was prepared to accept death. It was part of the training. But he wasn't prepared to become fuel for their experiments. Not when Rayla was still out there. Not when she was waiting for him.

As the soldiers approached, led by a grim-faced young man, and an eager-faced Mage, he had one option. Leaping off the balcony, onto one of the many buildings around him, he raced to the castle walls, ignoring the screaming pain in his legs. He knew Rayla couldn't swim, but he could.

Crossbow bolts whizzed by him, often missing by the tiniest margin. Others skinned his arms or his legs. But as he reached the final wall, he put all his strength into his final act and leaped from the castle walls.

Down he fell, into the river surrounding the castle. Crashing into the waves, he felt the air being knocked from his lungs, as the current dragged him away. He was battered by the waves as they smashed his body against the rocks. He wasn't sure if he was going to survive this.

'I'm sorry Ethari. I tried coming home. Look after Rayla. She needs you.'

Those were his thoughts, as his mind was overtaken by darkness.

"Are you certain he- ARGH! Easy Soren!"

"Sorry Dad, but this isn't coming out easy."

"I hadn't noticed."

The elf had leaped off the walls into the waters below. Frustrated by the assassin's escape, Soren and Claudia returned to their father, with Claudia telling him what happened, as Soren tried pulling the arrow from his father's shoulder.

"All I know is he got to the walls, and then he jumped. I don't know if... Soren, just break the arrow shaft and pull Dad off the wall! It'll be easier than pulling it back out!"

"Oh, yeah, I guess we could do that."

Shrugging his shoulders, Soren grabbed a broken sword, using it to cut through the arrow shaft cleanly, without injuring his father further. As he pulled Viren off the broken arrow, Claudia examined the blood-red ribbons she had picked up from the floor.

"Cute ribbons, but I thought Moonshadow Elves used silver for their decorations."

When Viren noticed them, he sighed with resignation, as he placed a hand over his shoulder, attempting to slow the bleeding.

"Those are assassin bindings. The Moonshadow Elves use them to signify whether a target is... is dealt with. They must have fallen off after they... completed their mission."

"Huh. Well, that's pretty... oh no."

"What? What's wrong Claudia?"

"Dad, some of the assassins... they had two with them."

Viren's eyes widened, while Soren looked confused.

"Why would they have two ribbons for the King? I mean, he was pretty skilled but..."

"Soren, they had two bindings because there are two targets! Where are the princes?"

"I... I don't know. Why would the assassins..."

"Soren, either there are more assassins in the castle, or they had two targets! Claudia, look for the princes. Soren, organize a sweep of the castle. If we miss even one assassin, we're all in danger!"

Soren and Claudia immediately ran to fulfill his orders. Viren sighed as he watched them leave. He wasn't sure what was worse. The knowledge he had failed to protect his friend, or that Ezran and Callum were in danger because of him.

But he had to press on. That egg was the key to humanity's advancement. He was sure of it. He might have failed his friend, but he would not fail Katolis or Humanity.

"CALLUM! EZRAN! WHERE ARE YOU!?"

Claudia raced through the castle, checking every room she came across, screaming for the princes every few minutes. If her Dad was right, then that meant one of them was also a target. One of the guards had reported seeing the princes still in the castle when the attack began. Which meant they could be anywhere in this massive fortress... if they were still...

No, she had to shake such thoughts from her head. She knew she'd find them somewhere in here.

Running down another corridor, she paused to call out to them again, when she heard something. It was faint, but she could hear it. Following the sound, she realized she was near the princes' rooms. As she got closer, she realized what it was. Crying.

In front of her was the door to Ezran's room. Opening the door, she could hear the crying more clearly.

"Callum? Callum, are you in here?"

Not waiting for an answer, she opened it ever so slightly and saw a sight that would haunt her. Callum was kneeling on the floor. Behind him was Ezran's bed. On his left, Bait was cuddling up to him.

In his arms, was Ezran, a bloody hole in his chest.

Approaching gently, she kneeled beside Callum and wrapped him in a hug. And Callum's gentle weeping became agonizing sobs. Claudia felt her heart being torn in two, as she held her friend, while he mourned the death of his innocent brother.

Minutes later, Soren and Viren found them. Soren was horrified by what he saw. Despite his pig-headedness, he was loyal to the King, and to have failed him and his children so totally...

But Viren looked like a knife had been plunged into his gut. He stumbled out of the room and sank against the wall.

Tonight, tomorrow, and the next few days, the Kingdom of Katolis would mourn. But none of them would forget this night. None of them would forget what had happened. And none of them would let it stand.

Chapter Text

Amaya rode into the capital of Katolis, pushing her steed to its absolute limit. Charging across the bridge to the castle, she arrived in the courtyard to find Viren waiting for her. One look at him told her the worst had indeed come to pass. Arriving at the Banther Lodge yesterday, she had been expecting the princes to arrive or have already been there. That the Lodge was empty could only mean terrible things. Without hesitation, she and Gren had taken their horses. They made for the capital at full speed, only stopping when necessary, while the soldiers accompanying her remained behind, just in case the princes arrived late, for whatever reason.

But that haunted, tired look on Viren's face said something terrible had happened. She needed to know if the princes, her nephews, were safe.

"General Amaya." Viren greeted her, calmly, yet lacking the confidence, or even arrogance, she had come to associate him with. With Gren translating for her signing, she responded.

'Save the formalities for court, Viren. What happened? Where are the princes?'

"Moonshadow elves, assassins, attacked, using the full moon to empower themselves. They... they were after the King, and... and they succeeded. But, he wasn't their only target, Amaya."

Amaya's eyes went wide, as she realized what Viren was about to say.

"Ezran was their second target. And they... they succeeded."

'How? Ezran and Callum were supposed to meet me at the Banther Lodge.'

"I don't know. They were supposed to leave well in advance. I... I just don't know."

Even when Sarai had died, Amaya had never seen Viren look so... defeated. As though he had no idea what to do next.

'Where's Callum? Is he alright? Was he hurt?'

"Callum survived. He... physically, his injuries are minor. But, mentally... it's not good Amaya. He... he held Ezran in his final moments. He hasn't said a word to anyone in the last two days."

'Where is he?'

Sigh. "I think he's in Ezran's room. That was where... we found him. He doesn't let anyone in and only comes out to sleep in his bed. I... I don't know what to do."

Amaya, despite her feelings concerning Viren, gently placed a hand on his shoulder, telling him with a look to rest. She would handle this. As Viren trudged off to his chambers, Amaya entered the castle with Gren behind her. Walking through the castle halls, she could feel the mood in the air. Grief, anger, and horror. Grief for the fallen King, anger over the actions of Xadia, and horror for the loss of an innocent life.

But she could worry about the soldiers later. Right now, she had to focus on her nephew, her last remaining family.

As she turned the last corner leading to the prince's chambers, she noticed someone at the far end of the corridor. It was Claudia, seated on the floor, right next to the door to Ezran's room. In her hands was a book, one of the several she had piled next to her. At Amaya's approach, the girl turned her head, to see who was intruding, but her face lit up at the sight of Amaya. Standing up from the floor, she set her book aside, and rushed up to Amaya, enveloping the woman in a surprise hug.

Despite Amaya's feelings towards Viren, she liked Claudia. Strange and unnerving as Dark Magic could be at times, never mind practitioners like Viren, Claudia was bright and cheerful, eager to help and genuinely wanting to see people prosper. It was creepy to imagine her carrying around the preserved bits and pieces of magical creatures, though given the uses Dark Magic had, she wasn't about to complain, at least not openly.

When Claudia pulled back, Amaya began to sign.

'How is he?'

"He hasn't said a word since... since I found him. Ezran, he... had a hole in his chest. The assassin stabbed him, and left him to die in a pool of his own blood."

Amaya grimaced at the description but allowed her to continue.

"Callum... he had a leg injury, from when the assassin shot him with an arrow. And... he has a scar going down his left eye. He's not in pain, at least the healers say he isn't."

'But he hasn't said a word to anyone since?'

"No. I've been... I've been trying to talk to him. I wait here for him, I pass food to him, but otherwise, he's completely shut down."

Amaya nodded her head, and without missing a beat, knew what to do.

'Claudia, I want you and Gren to give me and Callum some time alone.' Gren remained silent after, waiting for her to continue, until he realized he had been mentioned by name. "OH. Right, um... as you say, General."

Saluting, Gren walked back the way they had come, with Claudia following right behind. Breathing deeply, Amaya approached the door to Ezran's room, flinching when she saw the blood stain on the door. A handprint, too big to have been from Ezran. It was Callum's, likely from after he had been injured by the blasted elves. Shaking that thought from her head, she gently knocked on the door, waiting for a response. Nothing. She tried again, but still nothing. She was about to open the door herself when she decided to try one more thing.

"Callum?"

She hated never hearing her voice. It was stupid, she had been born deaf, and despite that, she had more than proven herself as a warrior and leader. But she had always wondered what hearing was like. What hearing her voice was like. She had seen the way couples, young and old, whispered to each other, telling their loved ones things only meant for them. And she knew the comfort people took even just hearing the voices of their loved ones. As proud as she was of how far she had come, she hated not being able to properly give her nephew that.

But it had its desired effect, as moments later, the door opened, and there he was. Even at a momentary glance, she could see the effects of what he had endured. His skin was pale, the red of his scar becoming ever more present, resembling less a scar, and more a brutal gash left behind by a ruthless enemy. Those eyes, once filled with love and curiosity, now were haunted by the hell he had endured, made all the worse sitting in this room, where his own personal hell was laid out for all to witness. Seeing him like this tore her heart out.

Before she could respond, he simply hugged her, and she could feel the heavy breaths he took, as he broke down in her arms. All she could do was hold him tight, to let him know he wasn't alone in the world.

And in her mind, she made a solemn vow. Whatever it took, she would find the elves who hurt her family, and she would make them pay a thousandfold.

Slowly, Runaan opened his eyes, something he never expected to do again. Above him, he could see light breaking through a mass of green. Slowly, as his eyes adjusted, he realized he was staring up into the trees of a forest. Attempting to sit up, he winced as he felt pain shooting through his upper body. Everything hurt, from his neck, all the way to his toes, yet still, he tried to sit upright. He needed to know where he was, what had happened, and what he was doing here. The last thing he remembered was sending the Shadowhawk, and then...

"Runaan! You're awake!"

Turning his head, he saw Rayla, slightly dishevelled, but otherwise well, and clearly thrilled to see him awake.

"Rayla? What happened? Where-" Runaan's questioning was interrupted by a new feeling of pain shooting through his body. Even talking was going to be unpleasant.

"Hush, Runaan. You're alive, but don't push your luck." Rayla knelt beside him, easing his head back down on his makeshift pillow. It wasn't much, but felt like heaven compared to moments ago.

"What happened to me?"

"YOU happened, you damned idiot! Ya threw yourself off the castle walls! Were you trying to kill yourself?!"

"The last thing I remember is the Shadowhawk, and then... I jumped into the-"

"DON'T say it. Fishing you out of the river was hell, so if you try that stunt again, I'm leaving you for the fish."

Runaan blinked at Rayla's words. Rayla, his niece and all-but adopted daughter, braved the water she hated more than anything else, for HIM. It was flattering. But now, as he realized everything that had happened, he needed information.

"Where are we?"

"In the forests of Katolis. I'm... not sure specifically. A bit further north, maybe north-east."

"Why aren't we in camp?"

"It wasn't easy getting you... back, and by the time I lugged you into the forest proper, the humans had found our camp. The best I could do was nick some supplies, but not enough for long."

"How long have I been unconscious?"

"Three days. I've been stretching the Moonberry juice out as best I can but," she held up a half-empty bottle, "I'm running low. And I don't know enough about the local plants to forage without risking sickness."

That was a problem, and Runaan needed a solution. At the moment, Rayla was the only one who could forage, but she lacked experience with this region's flora. Admittedly, so did Runaan, but he knew solutions. Observing the local wildlife to see what they would, and wouldn't eat, was a useful tactic. However, more than a few animals developed a natural resistance to plants that would harm elves and men. Some plants could even release poisons or other repellents if animals were eating nearby. At least, that was what he knew based on talks with Earthblood Elves.

While Rayla likely could steal bread and other foods from towns and villages, the Kingdom would be on high alert, even if the assassination went off perfectly. It took days to reach the border, even at their best, and Runaan was going to slow them down. Anything being out of place, even a few misplaced loaves of bread, would be noticed and investigated. The last thing they needed was more attention being drawn to them.

This meant the wilderness was their best bet, but even that had its drawbacks. Aside from the foraging difficulty, the only other options were to fish or hunt. While the culture of the Moonshadow Elves encouraged vegetarians, not all elven cultures did. Sunfire Elves ate meat as well as plants, while the Tidebound Elves ate mostly fish and other sea life, along with seaweed. He wasn't sure about the nomadic Skywing Elves, but he had heard stories of Earthblood Elves that exclusively ate meat. Something about living as part of nature, compared to Moonshadow Elves who lived in harmony with nature.

Despite the taboo around it, Runaan had eaten meat when the situation required it, though Rayla certainly hadn't. The next best option then, was fish. It wasn't as taboo as meat, so Rayla would be able to eat it, allowing them to save the remainder of their supplies for potentially harsher climates. While securing said fish was another problem, as far as plans go, it was better than nothing unless they lucked out and found Moonberries in Katolis.

The only other option was to try and reach the Moon Nexus. He had never visited it, though few elves had since the continent was split. The overseer of the Nexus, a mage named Lujanne if memory served, might be able to assist them. But that was all dependent on them reaching the Nexus. Not an easy feat in his condition. Running his hands over his face, Runaan sighed as he considered his options. On the upside, he was alive to even have options. Getting them home wouldn't be easy, but it was doable.

'Why are we even discussing this!?'

Amaya was in the throne room, Gren translating her words while trying to convey her fury. With her in the throne room were the rest of the High Council, comprised of Lord Viren, as High Mage of Katolis, Lady Opeli, representative of the Temple of The Triumvirate, and Baron Saleer, a man Amaya instinctively mistrusted, if not outright despised. Like Saleer, Amaya and Sarai were born into the minor nobility of Katolis, often possessing a title but little wealth. Instead of managing estates or governing fiefdoms, most minor nobles chose professions in the military, dedicating their lives to service for the Kingdom, emphasizing the upholding of a code of honour and loyalty. Amaya had grown up around men and women like this and respected them greatly.

Saleer was not one of these men. The man was an opportunist of the highest calibre, concerned only with his own personal status and wealth. His family was primarily involved in trade with the other Kingdoms, and he had become involved in an international group that cheated merchants from all the Kingdoms. He had escaped unscathed because when he sensed the law encroaching on him, he was the first to rat out his fellows. This act saved his hide and allowed him to keep some of his ill-earned wealth.

That he became a member of the High Council is a testament to his skill at politicking, and backstabbing. He had secured and broken alliances, called in favours, and bought others off to secure a seat on the Council. Normally being near this honourless mongrel was enough to make her skin crawl. But now, listening (so to speak) to this man's drivel, she wanted to crush the scrawny bastard's throat with her bare hands.

"Despite the... unfortunate circumstances, the situation calls for the discussion to be held."

'You're talking about replacing King Harrow before we've even finished the mourning period.'

"Sadly, General Amaya, the elves killed both Harrow and Ezran. With their deaths, a new royal line must be established."

'Don't speak to me like a child, Saleer. It will not end well for either of us.'

"Saleer, enough." Opeli chose this moment to intervene before the idiot said something liable to start a one-sided brawl. "By our laws, an orphan is who would be chosen to take the throne. Callum fulfills that criteria, and Harrow all but named his firstborn. I see no reason to consider another for the throne."

"Perhaps, Opeli, but as I understand the poor boy has endured a terrible tragedy, and is... not well. I worry about the future of Katolis in such... inexperienced hands."

Saleer spoke with the faux concern and self-righteousness that made her hate court politics. Right now, she wanted very much to hurt him, badly. But she settled for signing a very graphic threat if continued to speak of her nephew like that. A threat Gren wouldn't translate, openly saying "I'm not translating that!" Huffing, Amaya went with a much more tame, but no less subtle response.

'Mind your tongue, Saleer. You're not in my hands, but you are in arms reach.'

Opeli, sensing a fight ready to start, looked to Viren of all people for assistance. Normally Opeli liked Viren as much as Amaya did. That she was willing to look to him as a source of help was a sign of how worried she was. For the majority of this argument, Viren had been looking out the window, lost in thought. When he heard Opeli calling his name, twice, he started.

"Do forgive me, I was lost in thought. Saleer does raise a point, Callum is in a terrible place right now. I would also suggest you avoid provoking Amaya in the future. Dark Magic's ability to heal is good, but not that good." Approaching the table, he continued before anyone could respond. "However, Callum is not helpless. Despite his inexperience, he does have a good mind, he will have our support, and Harrow did love him as though he were his son. If Saleer insists on settling this now, I propose a vote. All in favour of Callum assuming the throne?"

Viren raised his hand, as did Amaya, Opeli, and the last two Councillors. Seeing his... attempted scheme no longer viable, Saleer raised his hand as well. The Council was in unanimous agreement. Callum would assume the throne after the funeral. And she needed to either find someone competent enough to command the Standing Batallion, or someone trustworthy enough to remain in the castle. There was no way she was leaving Callum without proper support.

She'd kiss a dragon before that happened.

The Moon Nexus was beautiful. It was like nothing Rayla had seen before. Even in a state of ruin, it was breathtaking. Which made it all the more sad that Runaan wasn't able to enjoy it properly.

They had made the trek to the Nexus over a few days. It hadn't been easy, Runaan being in no condition to move quickly. But the stubborn, lovable, idiot, refused to stay still for long, determined to make the trek. Their arrival had been... interesting to say the least. The overseer, a Moon Mage named Lujanne, had been using illusions to keep humans from approaching the Nexus, leading them to believe it was haunted by monsters. The pair of them had only just managed to evade what they thought was a monstrous, bloodsucking leech when the damned thing began dancing as they ascended the mountain. Turns out, it was one of her illusions, and the looks on their faces must have been priceless, as she was laughing so hard Rayla thought she'd collapse.

After the initial awkwardness of that introduction, Lujanne had been quite happy to assist them, especially upon seeing Runaan's injured state. This is how Rayla was now exploring the Moon Nexus, while Runaan rested, and Lujanne meditated. The overseer was nice. A little kooky from being up here for so long, with only her illusions to talk to, but nice. It made her wonder at the possibilities she had going forward.

Being an assassin likely wasn't in her future, not unless she learned how to harden her heart like Runaan did. But she was wondering what else she could do. Her physical skills were second only to Runaan, but she wondered if she could learn more of the magical arts connected to the moon arcanum. It was associated with illusions and concealment, which meant her physical skills could complement it, though it just left the question of what to do with it. Then again, Ethari probably had his own ideas, so it was probably best to wait and see what the future held for her.

But now there was an even bigger problem. Looking back at Katolis, at the capital, she couldn't shake the gnawing feeling growing inside her. A feeling of dread that had only grown over the last week. She wasn't sure about her own future, but the future of Xadia? Something big was going to happen. She couldn't explain it, but she knew something was on the horizon.

Standing at the entrance to the throne room, Callum took a deep breath. Over the last few days, he'd improved somewhat. He was eating better, and getting some proper sleep. But he still hadn't let the servants touch Ezran's room. And he wasn't sure if they ever would. To disturb it, after everything that happened there, all the memories both good and bad it held, felt wrong. The same could be similarly said of the King's Chambers. A single bloodstain remained in the King's Chambers, a reminder of what had happened. A reminder of why he now sat in the King's Chambers.

'The King's Chambers... my chambers... because my Dad is gone... my brother is gone... because of Xadia.'

Callum wasn't sure how often he had this thought, but it was getting harder to shake. He'd held his brother, dying in his arms, and not long ago, had said goodbye to both Ezran and Harrow. His little brother, and the Dad he never called as such. It was eating him inside, but he had to focus. He had to step up. He had to be a leader. He wasn't a prince anymore. Now... he was to be King.

The doors opened, and ahead of him stood the throne. Beside it stood Opeli, a temple matron beside her, holding the Crown of Katolis on a cushion. The trumpets blared, and he walked forward. He wasn't wearing his usual purple tunic and blue jacket. He had kept the red scarf but now wore it around his waist like a sash. His tunic was now red, decorated with gold, like his Dad. Around his shoulders was draped a dark red cape, lined with fur. He was told he looked very regal in it.

But he felt like he was playing a part in a play. He had no idea how to be King. He was barely a prince! And now, he was to sit on the throne of Katolis. The throne his Dad had sat in. The throne his brother was meant to claim. The same Dad and brother that were gone.

'Because of Xadia.'

Ignoring his internal argument, Callum took in everything in the throne room. It looked impressive, decorated to commemorate his crowning. But the people were what he focused on. Everyone was looking at him. Not in disappointment, like he felt he was. Not in disgust, at this failed prince pretending to be King. He felt... respect. The feeling grew as people bowed their heads as he passed them.

In the corner of his eye, he could see Amaya, Viren, Claudia, and Soren. Amaya was smiling, but it was a smile that carried weight. She was smiling to be brave because she knew what he was facing. But it also carried a promise. A promise that she would be there to help him. Viren's face was... hard to read. He was as stoic as ever, but he felt no ill will from him. Nothing that made him recoil like usual. Claudia was smiling, as cheery as ever. This could be in the middle of a monsoon, and she'd be standing there, showing her support. Soren, perhaps most surprising of all, bowed lower than anyone else. He had no idea what to make of that, but he would... one day.

Ascending the dais, Opeli grabbed the crown, as Callum kneeled before her. Raising the crown high, she spoke with an authority like he had never heard from her before, as she lowered it on his head.

"By the Grace of the Triumvirate, I crown thee, Callum I, King of Katolis, Protector of the Realm, Champion of the Poor, and Defender of the Faith. May the Gods bless Your Majesty!"

Rising to his feet, Callum turned to behold the assembled guests, as they chanted "Long live the King! Long live King Callum!"

Here, he stood. He wasn't the step-prince, pretending to be king. No more practicing. No more pretending. He was the King. 

'Long live the King.'