Snippet #2209722

Alcide was not brooding, he mentally assured himself. He was not a man prone to such lethargic moods, and never would be. Alcide was merely in deep thought as he mulled over the latest conversation he’d had with his friend. Alcide liked to know as much about his enemy as possibly before facing them, and he knew too little for his liking about these Durahurne creatures. Greylord had been of some help to him on this matter, but he still was not satisfied with those answers.

“Your Emperor is either foolish or desperate to be meddling with such dark creatures.” Greylord had warned. Alcide did not altogether disagree with that assessment, but he was not so quick to discredit the power that the durahurne presented. Dangerous or not, it was impossible to deny the effect they had on the war front, which was why Alcide was wary. He’d seen these creatures in action.

“Can they be killed?” He had asked, while Greylord gave a knowing smile.

“All things can be killed my friend” Greylord had replied. “Your sword can cut through anything, even the spawn of hell itself. I have made it so.” Alcide had been a little relieved by that, but he still wished he knew his enemy better.

“So where is my princess eh? If I’m going to die fighting these beasts, I’d like a taste of my reward first.” Alcide had jokingly gripped good naturedly towards his friend. In all honesty he wasn’t in a rush to be married just yet, and especially not to any of Contalabutte’s few daughters. None were particularly comely, and were such spoilt squawking things that they reminded him more of the loud colorful birds nobles in the south kept as pets than a woman who could stir his manhood. He was starting to believe he’d trapped himself into a bad deal on that particular wish, so his friend’s response was surprising.

“Soon my friend, you will have your princess. This war brings her closer and closer to you every day.” Greylord had replied with a smirk he only wore when self-satisfied. The response confused him though, as Contalabutte had no other daughters as far as he knew, so how was there a Kalgrist princess out of his reach that would satisfy his wish?

He did not dwell though, as he soon arrived at the castle via carpet, and announced himself to the men, who knew him instantly. He was quickly led then to the Emperor and the carriage, and Alcide made a quick bow to show his fealty to the smaller man. “You summoned me your eminence?”


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Branen felt dumbstruck by his luck in finding his exiled sovereigns so quickly, and rose to attention when his princess addressed him. “I was looking for a friend your highness.” Bran admitted freely. “One I had met long ago who told me she lived here. I was hoping she might keep my young sister Snow safe for me whilst I searched for Prince Dayerin and yourself. A battlefield is no safe place for children.” He explained.

“Your highness, I was gone and unable to aid your father when the Kalgrist hoards descended upon our home, but I will never abandon his children or my home. I am yours to command, whatever your orders.” Branen vowed solemnly.

“Excellent.” Puss remarked dryly.