Aleph Banton's Story

Day 1, Morning.

Dawn was peeking through Aleph's barred window as guard quite suddenly intruded upon his quiet world. Bowing, they greeted him with a slight reverence born for the deeds of his late grandfather.

“Your Highness!” They said in unison, straightening from their bows to salute. After a moment, the guard who seemed to be the leader of the group took it upon himself to explain what in hell was going on.

“Prince Aleph, your brother King Ferdinand have passed away in the war against the filthy Goulashians, leaving the throne empty for the taking and letting you free. We came here as soon as we could to warn you against your brother, as they will surely try to assassinate you to secure their claim to the throne. Be careful, and take this circlet as a proof of your royal status!” Said the man, gesturing to another guard holding a velvet cushion holding a magnificent circled holding the royal crest on it's bejewelled centre.

As Aleph accepted the circlet and tried to come to term to the various life changing facts being thrown his way, he was also presented with a hooded cloak. 'To leave your identity a mystery if you so wish' said the guard that handed him the garment.

“What do you wish do do this morning, Your Highness?” Said the first guard with admiration and worry in his dark eyes.

There really wasn't anything the prince could do but sit down and wait for who knows how long. He sat on the edge of his luxurious bed, his elbows resting on his legs and his knuckles digging into his forehead. How he longed for freedom of this wretched prison he hadn't done anything to deserve. Even if the walls weren't old, worn-out and grey, but a eye-catching gold, he didn't feel much better. In fact, maybe it'd be easier to live in a normal cell, one that didn't try to fool him by pretending to be something it was not.

Long ago had he gotten bored of his routine. It was the same thing, day after day. He would wake up, eat his breakfast, exercise, take a rest, practice his swordplay (though it wasn't nearly as effective because he didn't even have access to a wooden sword), eat lunch, rest, more exercise, then dinner, sleep and repeat. He originally feared that he would become weak and useless if he lazily sat around in his gorgeous cell, but now the exercise might just be something to do instead of waiting around. Either way, he managed to keep his body in shape. Not so sure about his mind. After all, the most interaction he got was the guards informing him that he would be eating. Hopefully he could manage to speak to someone if he ever got out of this hellhole. But by the looks of it, he'd probably never get out. At least not while his bastard brother was still al-

'Strange' was the one word that kept repeating through Aleph's skull as he watched two guards interrupt his normal routine. This hadn't ever happened before. Unsure if they were bringing good news, he watched expectantly as they explained their presence. So his brother had finally perished? Serves him right. Now all Aleph could do was hope he died a coward. Dying without honor was the least he could do. But that wasn't important right now, as Aleph had bigger problems being thrust onto him.

Aleph placed the circlet around his neck, a long-forgotten smile creeping upon his lips. The sound of freedom was music to his ears, even if he had another sibling to worry about. He wouldn't be intimidated! Have at it, brother!, he thought as he looked upon the guards with a stern look. "I thank you both for your assistance and wisdom. Your warning shall not go unheeded, but I am no coward - I shall no flee from anyone or anything." he stated, a fire in his eyes. His freedom would not be wasted running away from yet another sibling trying to do him wrong. If he wants to be selfish, he can die for all Aleph was concerned. "Before anything, I must learn myself in the ways of the land. It has been far too long since I've heard gossip nor fact about my land. I would ask that I be led to the library at once."

Aleph wouldn't spend an eternity in the library, but because he hadn't ever stopped exercising and practicing, his fitness and technique wouldn't require immediate tending, though his knowledge of his own home would definetly need some.

Day 1, Midday

The guards smiled as they saluted their lord. “Yes, your Highness!” Their enthusiastic resonated on the golden walls well after they started leading their prince to the Royal Library. As the party walked through the halls, various courtier sneered at the prince's shabby clothing, no doubt thinking that he was merely a mistress' son and therefore not worthy of respect.

Finally they reached richly decorated door that took the guards great effort to open. Inside was a grand library with thousands of tomes shelved in a grand circle encompassing the entirety of the tower's inner walls, with great windows providing light to the imposing library. Various librarians were busy at work, fawning over a young dark haired man with a similar circlet as the one around Aleph's throat on his brows. That must have been one of Aleph's brothers.

Catching the gaze of a few librarian, the older prince was soon seated on another desk than the one his younger half-brother occupied, himself also fawned over by the library's staff. As he was seated, various tomes were put under his nose, telling the history of the kingdom.

The kingdom was founded five hundred years ago by Gallant the First, a skilled naval general and even more skilled merchant that took over the peninsula and protected it from the various hostile tribes of the north. Amassing amazing wealth and power, he was crowned king after taking control of all the tribes present in the peninsula, a feat that earned him the adoration of his subject as he managed it without much bloodshed. The kingdom lived in peace for throw hundred years until the reign of Bernard II, a bloodthirsty warlord with a taste for conquest that earned himself quite a few enemies for a mere few acres of gained land.

The war carried on to the present day, no doubt getting even worse after King Fedinant IV's recent death by the Goulashians.

Trade routes were now few as the Kingdom of Goulash was the primary antagonist to the kingdom, forcing the Alders to trade exclusively by naval routes. The army seemed to be in need of new recruits as well.

All that cramming of information about his home left Aleph fatigued.

His foray into the library earned him 2 Knowledge points.

Aleph would not be bothered by childish snickering nor comments. Judging someone by looks alone could be a fatal mistake, and in a battle, they would be dead, slain by the first strike. He didn't have time for immaturity or anything else for that matter. Right now, making use of his freedom to its fullest extent was the only thing he found worthwhile. First came study because learning about your opponent before facing them was a very, very wise decision.... and learning about your own abilities would help too.

Aside from a suspicious glare, Aleph didn't bother interacting with his half-sibling. It had been so long, he didn't even remember the man's name. It didn't interest him at the moment, so he decided against asking it or otherwise straying from his intended path of study. Banton took his seat and frowned as the many tomes were placed before him, intimidated by the amount of reading he would be required to do, but it was a necessary task in order to begin his journey, and he would be a child to complain or refuse to do this. He'd be dead too, possibly. And so he lost himself within the words of the countless papers.

He learned what he had originally wanted: Who his enemy was, and what his land was proficient in, in terms of military strength. Though he preferred othewise, naval dominance is what he owned, but the Kingdom of Goulash had infantry. That wasn't the best news, and it'd appear that trade was difficult by any other means than ship. If anything, that would end up killing them in the long run, and that was something Aleph decided would need changing. But he couldn't do much until he was king, could he? First he must acquire that title, and then he'd lead his armies to victory!

But a king should always lead his men into battle, and if he was going to do that, he needed to be at peak physical and combat condition. Practicing with real blades sounded delightful, and productive... but his head felt light from all the knowledge. It would do him well to eat and pass his time someway else, instead of just making himself more exausted. Possibly a trip through the immediate area around his abode. A morale boost would be much appreciated by the young prince, and talking with other, real people would do him wonders. Maybe even giving into lust with a beautiful maiden too. But first....

He turned towards the nearest guard. "A heavy midday feast would do me good. Relay to the chef that I wish for something that is not poisoned and can fill me up. Apart from that, I care not what kind of food he so chooses to make." came his next order. It wasn't long after that he was in the dining room, feasting away. He was unsure what to call any of this meat, having not heard the names of it in quite a while. A few of the meats were familiar, but some were new and delicious. Aleph began to think that he wasn't given the better of the meals, but that only made freedom more enjoyable.

When he was done, donned the hood that he was gifted and proceeded out the front gate to explore his land, armed only with his fists and his circlet, but that lay hidden underneath the neck of his shirt. Hopefully that'd be enough for him to be able to enjoy himself. Maybe some meade in a tavern or something that made him feel truly free and not confined. The castle reeked of that stench, and Banton wanted to get away, if only for a mere few hours.

Freedome probably wasn't healthy for Aleph, as whatever happened the night before was far from king-like. He could only judge by the fact that he honestly thought he had met a banshee earlier, and the fact that he almost wanted to puke every single time someone spoke that he must've at least enjoyed his first night out of his room. All in all, it must have been worth it. But he'd probably refrain from engaging in such activities for a while now, for he had to start planning.

Unfortunately, that was hard with a hangover, and even moreso when all he could hear was the various merchants trying to sell him their ware. He would first find a clothes trader, and judge what clothes he wanted to 'purchase'. The merchant had quite a way with words, as Aleph almost felt like he should buy something with actual gold coin. He could be useful. Aleph ended up finding a set of clothing that helped him fit in. It wasn't splattered with grand designs, nor did it appear to be dirty old rags, so this would help greatly. It helped that they didn't contradict his hood, so he wouldn't kill fashion when he walked, which could only be seen as a bonus. He presented his royal circlet to the man and claimed his new apparel before finding a inconpicuous spot to ditch the majority of his current clothes, hood save for.

Presentable is what he was.

But at least now he didn't feel like a prisoner, nor look the act too. But it was probably high-time he went back to the castle and checked to see how things were going. Yes, he would do this. If he could remedy this nuisance of a headache, he'd indulge in some sparring of some sort. If not, maybe he'd check on whichever sibling he found. Preferably.... Rolly....Roral....Robert... whatever his name be. That matters not until his plans were decided, and they weren't.

Day 1, Night

Aleph's first night was spent pitifully chugging jugs upon jugs of water provided by those sympathizing but unyielding servants. Between gulp the man learned that all of his brothers were wither sleeping or our into town at this time of night and were therefore unavailable. After successfully escaping at his fourth try the water torture as he took to call it, the prince found his way to the barrack by sheer luck.

Then came the sparing from hell.

The guard were more than ready to help him with his swordsmanship and taught him quite a bit, the problem was the sound. That sound that made a puddle of agony out of his brain. That was not the wisest thing to do, no doubt about it.

The sparring did go on for the rest of the night, however, and toughened the man up some. Fist came attacking, then blocking, parrying and finally riposting, all in a symphony of grunts and wacks of the wooden practice swords. Roland was ready to sleep now as the sun peeked over the horizon. His bed sounded like a siren call to Aleph.

Aleph was now Fatigued.

Aleph lost 1 point of Wisdom.

Aleph gained 1 point of Strength.

Aleph gained 1 point of Speed.

Aleph gained 1 point of Toughness.

The feeling of nostalgia swept over Aleph as he picked up a wooden blade. The feel of it in his hands was much welcomed but unfamiliar, as it had been so long since he had the luxury of picking one up. At the very least, it made him forget all of that water intake, which was a good thing because he feared for his life at one point. It seemed those servants wanted him to explode or something.

Of course, when the actual training began, Aleph didn't receive that rush he so fondly remembered. He felt horrible, as if his head was about to split into seperate pieces, but he continued on. He had not many problems keeping up with the guards, and after recapturing the feel of the weight of a blade in his hands, he showed that his actual technique hadn't diminished much over the course of his imprisonment. This made sense considering he continued the hand motions as a part of his daily routine back in that room. He just needed a reminder on the feel of a weapon, is all.

By the end, he felt great, but shit at the same time. Quite an odd feeling to say the least, and he was reasonably sure he forgot something during the course of it all. However, he learned much in the way of the blade, so that was a tradeoff he was comfortable with. But all of this sparring had left him weakened, tired and unable to do anything without the threat of passing out, and thusly the king-to-be went off for his bed for the night.

Day 2, Morning

Aleph dreamt of bloody battle fought in a great war again the kingdom's enemy, followed by a great victory. He say himself lighting a gauntlet-clad fist in victory before a jubilant army, the setting sun reflecting on his plate mail and his glinting sword, both drenched in crimson blood. He saw himself crowned as king for his achievements, his brothers powerless and at his feet as he made them his subjects. Then came peace and prosperity, with great festivities and even greater battles as he took over the whole continent, growing old and strong to give his legacy to his loving son. That dream left him with hope and a jubilant joy coursing through his whole body.

Awakened gently by a maid, Aleph felt great as the sun drifted through his open window, the fragrant scent of the sea reaching his nostrils. Leisurely stretching, he was set up for his breakfast at a neaby table and informed that a tailor would take his measurements in the evening today and that he would be announced to the whole kingdom tomorrow.

"What would you like to do today?" His new attendant said as he entered the prince room, bowing respectfully to the younger man.

Aleph was no longer Fatigued.

Aleph was feeling Hopeful.

As far as Aleph was concerned, he didn't have a dream that night, but a premonition. That wasn't him wanting to lead his armies to a glorious victory over their enemy, that was him actually doing that. With this newfound hope, he knew that he would be able to take the throne and lead a righteous army to their fame and fortune. It wouldn't be forever that they fought the war, but in the end, he would make sure that it was not any men but his own that would raise their bloodied swords in victory. This he would swear.

Although that pain was still throbbing in the back of his head, mentally, he felt rejuvanated, and physically, he felt great. No longer tired for he had rested, he knew that today he could manage to get somewhat productive, at least after a hearty breakfast, and so he looked at the beautiful maid and smiled quite warmly. Almost enough to melt ice. With his smile, he might've even made that maid's day, and he'd be glad if he still had that power. A very friendly and casual tone was used when addressing her, unlike her male counterparts. "I would be very thankful if the chef could make me a filling morning meal." he spoke kindly, his chivalrous side shining a bit brighter than the sunlight reaching into his room. "And if I could be shown or told anything that would help me in a social setting, such as trends and popular topics of discussion, I would be in you debt, ma'am."

Day 2, Midday

Mumbling something unintelligible, Aleph's attendant left, presumably to go seek some servants to bring the specified breakfast to his lord. The servant did arrive, but without the older man as they laid out porridge, bread, meats and fresh milk on the table, bowing respectfully as they set out the meal on the table before they, too, walked out of the room.

Giggling in pleasure at the prince's chivalry, the maid started chattering about the latest topics, from the king's death to what would happen in the next Harvest Festival.

"We of course gossip about you and your brothers, as you were an unknown until recently, locked away in your tower as you were!" The girl explained quickly as the prince finished his meal.

The gossip was entertaining to say the least, and a few rumours were intriguing, like the one that said that the Goulashians were planning an attack tomorrow during the presentation of the throne's heirs. That particular gossip worried the prince, as it could have disastrous consequence should it be true.

Finishing the conversation as the sun reached sea level the maid excused herself and left to fetch the prince's guest. It was time for the tailor's visit.

Aleph's Knowledge have increased by 1.

Aleph is no longer Hangover.

The prince was most definetly pleased with this great feast set before him, and as the maid spoke about topics of interest to the public and of herself, he set out to eat, making sure to keep his ear open as he did so. He enjoyed every last bite of his feast, and finished it rather quickly, unwanting to waste even a single moment of his day, for he only had today and today only to prepare for tomorrow.

"I see." he said a bit grimly upon learning his brother and ex-king had died fighting instead of running, as Aleph had hoped. It wasn't enough to upset him, and as hopeful as he was, he at least smiled at the fact that his traiterous brother killed a few Goulashians before falling. That much less to deal with. Though he kept it in mind, the news about the Harvest Festival didn't interest him too much, aside from something to speak about if he needed idle chatter. However, the rumor about an attack tomorrow was very worrysome to him. They would dare try an attack like such? Not in his kingdom would they succeed.

The prince Aleph smiled and placed his hand on the maid's shoulder. "I thank you for your time. If you wouldn't mind finding the guard captain and telling him that I would insist upon scouts being placed around the surrounding area to warn of any attacks tomorrow, you may take the rest of the day off without consequence." he said before letting her leave out the door. Aleph wasn't ignorant to how much servants actually did around the castle, especially after watching how they would clean up any and all messes he would make in his room under confinement. It might not be normal for a prince, but he did actually value his servants and other hands around the place.

Now all he had to do was get fitted into apparel that would make him look like a true prince.

Day 2, Evening

As the maid left to do as ordered, the tailors and his assistants entered the prince's chamber. Dressed at the height of fashion, those three cut an impressive figure. As the tailor looked upon his new client's attire, he tsked and clucked in displeasure, clearly not approving of the prince's choice of attire. Gesturing to his assistant to start the measurements, the man finally spoke.

"I am Eugene Sasburg, Your Highness, and I will not let you out of this room before you are clothed like a king!" The man said with a nearly manic glint in his eyes. "Bring the fabrics and equipment!" He ordered to a servant, adjusting his eyeglasses as he did so.

The following hours were surprisingly exhausting, with the prince having to stay still in increasingly uncomfortable positions while he was turned into a human shaped cloth hanger. Numerous exotic fabric were used, and even more numerous type of cuts were discussed and the Prince's wardrobe slowly increased to satisfy the tailor. The whole process took the entirety of the evening, but the prince though in the end that it was worth it.

He looked magnificent in his new clothes, after all!

Aleph was now Confident.

Aleph was now Fatigued.

Aleph glanced idly at the man who appeared in the room with a bit more enthusiasm that he was expecting. It honestly gave him a few weird vibes. He listened as he was told that he was going to have to wait while they did all sorts of measurements and whanot. "Fine. Do as you wish." was the only thing Aleph said during the whole process.

The positions he was forced into were quite awkward and unwelcome. At first it started normal, with him standing straight up, his arms to each side while fully extended, but then it just got weird and uncomfortable. Among the many positions, he was forced to do a pose in which he held one leg off the floor, bent at the knee for about thirty minutes straight. It was surprisingly tiring, and by the end of it all, Aleph wasn't sure he wanted to do much else besides take a nap. This had better been worth his day.

Even if he wanted to simply collapse onto his bed, Aleph refrained from doing so, and sent a servant to go inform the chef that dinner would be appreciated greatly. As he awaited dinner, a odd, random feeling crossed through him, and he was far from sure why that was. He could only wonder....

Why the hell do I feel like I have a little captain in me?

Day 2, Night

The feast was magnificent as always, and the bed as decadent as Aleph remembered as he fell asleep as soon as he touched the pillow. Then came the strange dreams, dreams of piracy and endless sea of various alcohol of all thing. He dreams he was the captain of a ship that was bound to a gigantic barrel of something he felt was precious but could not tell why he though such a thought. The dream was as strange as it was colourful and left the young man puzzled.
Dawn finally came after what seemed an eternity of alcohol, sea, crime and wenches that seemed to pop up all over the place.

As soon as the prince awoke, he was attacked by various type of clothings, a team of servants dressed him, combed his hair and washed his face and hair in an effort to make him look like a king-to-be. Then came the jewellery and his circlet that now throned on his brow like a crown, all polished and glinting in the faint morning light. After what seemed hours but were mere minutes, the man was presented with a particularly splendid breakfast of baked goods, hot chocolate and even a small roast of sucking pig. Wolfing down his meal with relish, the prince was once again cleaned up and pushed to the castle's main balcony, where his brothers and the kingdom's chamberlain awaited.

A whole garrison of guard was protecting them and keeping an eye on any trouble, as asked by the prince, all shining in polished heavy armour or spotless leather jerkins. Soon, the courtyard below was filled by citizen and the Presentation started.

The Chamberlain cleared his throat and started speaking.

A small squad of Goulashians attacked from their previous hiding place under the balcony.

Aleph is no longer Fatigued.

Aleph is no longer Hopeful.

Aleph was quite content with the epic dream he had as she woke up. Regardless of whether or not he knew what was actually happening, it made him feel just that much more awesome. But as much as he wanted to, he couldn't go back to sleep, as he had chores, and these chores were to attend an audience, and he couldn't ignore that, unfortunately.

Normally, he would feel a bit nervous in such a situation involving this many people, but with a kind heart and luxe clothes to match, he couldn't really not be confident, now could he? So, with a smile, he stepped onto the balcony and glanced around. Though the faces were for the most part, unfamiliar, he knew that the other men he saw were his brothers and rivals. Even still, he gave a complementary bow and smile to each and every one of them, ignoring the fact the more narcisstic ones might take that as a sign of surrender. By no means was he doing that, and only the fools would see it that way. He would fight for the throne if need be, to ensure that no unjust imprisonment ever happens to anyone again. And to lead his kingdom to victory, of course.

Aleph's stance was far from king-like - his arms were idly hanging to the side, in a bit of an uncomfortable position because of his kingly apparel. Such was the price for beauty, it had seemed. He didn't really know too much about anything really going on here, so he stood and stayed quiet, at least that was his plan, but when the death cry of a guard caught his attention, he realized that he'd get killed doing such. Now was time for action!

As the guards began retaliating, Aleph was thankful he had taken the servant's information as credible, and acted accordingly. It might've just saved not only his life, but the lives of the entire royal family. He'd remember this. He'd make sure she was compensated greatly. Aleph noticed one thing that the guards had, aside from armor, that he did not, and that was a means to defend himself. He had not a sword nor shield in which to use against the aggressors, and countering them with his hands was only a last resort considering it wasn't the easiest nor safest thing to do. Aleph would remedy this lack of weaponry by quickly running in and stealing the deceased guard's sword while the Goulashians were occupied with his guards.

He doubled back and addressed his brothers and his family, sword in hand. "My brothers! If you wish not to die, then a hasteful retreat should be made, immediately!" he warned with a stern, commanding voice reminiscant of a commander of some sort. If he had any part of being a king down already, it was that he had the voice that made people want to do what he said, both normally and in severe situations, like right now. Aleph was sure that there were more where that came from, and was expecting the worse.

Aleph's blood was pumping, and he liked it.

Roland put on his best smile for the presentation, trying to look as noble and gallant as possible. However a blood curdling cry interrupted the event. From the balcony Roland could see a squad of Goulashian warriors attacking, they fought the guards and observers alike. He was shocked to say the least, and was even more shocked that he was defensleess. What could he do besides flee? He could see that Aleph had already grabbed a sword, and from what he said it sounded as if he was going to fight along the guards. Though he didn't know Aleph in any sense, he would not leave him to fend off the Goulashians with just a handful of guards at his back, besides, what good is a king that cannot lay down his blood for his people? Roland would turn to one of his brothers, "Find any available guards you can, send them here. I'll help with the defense." And with that Roland made his way down to the ground where the fight was located. Even though he wasn't very strong or sturdy like Aleph, he was nimble and quick on his feet, he didn't plan to get into the thick of it too much.

Once on the ground level with his brother Aleph, Roland would sprint over to a nearby fallen Goulashian, grabbing his hatchet and wooden buckler. The hatchet was probably even better than the swords he was used to using, it was small enough to promote quick attacks. He felt the wooden handle and tried to center his balance, steady his body aswell as his mind. From the front a Goulashian woud cut down one of the guards, blood spurtting all over his face as he charged forwards towards Roland. It was frightening, but blood was starting to pump through his body, his heart raced. Similar to Aleph, he liked it. Roland could predict the Goulashian soldier's attack, his arm was slightly back as if he was going to strike with a vertical slash. Roland hopped back, avoiding the attack by a goot foot or two. Fear flooded his body, the flight for fight instinct urging him to flee, but he wouldn't. Even though he wasn't a warrior at heart, he wasn't a coward. Summoning up all of his bravery Roland would lunge forth, the Goulashian man still unstable from his last attack. It was an openning, and a big one at that.

This Goulashian wasn't exactly skilled, he seemed to fuel his attacks with rage only to leave himself open afterwards. Roland with aim a horozontal slash at the enemy soldier's neck where his skin was exposed. Roland's hatchet lodged itself into the man's neck, and he fell to his knees. Roland would pull the hatchet from his neck, blood spurtting all over him and the groun around him. His eyes widened, he had killed a man for the first time. This feeling...This feeling...It...

It felt great.

Roland kicked the Goulashian in the chest, causing him to fall back to bleed out on the ground. Adrenaline rushed through his body, he regrouped with Aleph, following him and watching his back, whether he chose to flee or fight.

Day 3, Morning

Most of the Princes made their ways back in the castle securely, others joining the fight like Aleph and Roland, taking the weapon of the fallen and joining the fray to protect their lives and their homes. With the guards in position and more coming after they were alerted by the other Prince, the battle was fortunately in their favour as merely a dozen of Goulashians soldiers had attacked, the act an halfhearted attempt at a coup by the small band of men.

Aleph fought bravely, managing to best two Goulashian soldiers by bravery and innate skills alone, his confidence helping greatly his cause. With a war cry, the young man charged his enemies with a desperation born of fear and anger, making short work of his opponents at the cost of a deep gash to his offhand arm, that he used as a makeshift guard, managing to prevent a far more deadly blow. However, another soldier sneaked out behind him, ready to end his life in the most cowardly of ways only to be stopped.

Indeed, Roland watched his older brother's back and managed to block the blow in time, the attacked being finished off by a guard that proceeded to stay by the Princes' sides from here on out. The rest of the guards had arrived.

Now far outnumbering the greatly diminished invaders, the guards could now concentrate in protecting the princes as the Goulashians' apparent leader was brought to heel before the still present brothers, the battle finished by one last blow at the leader remaining comrade.

“What should we do with this one, Your Highness?” The captain of the guard asked the bloodstained princes.

“We should kill him in the capital's square!” Said one.

“We should send his head back to those filthy Goulashians on a silver platter!” Said another.

“We should enrol him in our army!” Said a third.

“Make him our slave!” Said a forth.

Soon, the balcony was filled with a cacophony of orders from the nearly all the princes present. Roland and Aleph were drowned in sound...

Aleph is now Wounded.

Aleph is now Fatigued.

Aleph's Strength increased by 2.

Aleph's Toughness increased by 2.

Aleph is now Triumphant

Roland is now Exhausted.

Roland is no longer Suave.

Roland's Speed increased by 1.

Roland is now Triumphant.

When all was said and done, the warrior-prince Aleph was filled with glory he hadn't felt before. This much was to be expected after a noble battle, especially because they had won with little casualties. None of his brothers were cut down, and for that, he was ecstatic, for he had defended some of them with his own life. Hopefully, even if they were competing for the throne, they would show him a little bit of respect. But Aleph wasn't the only one who deserved respect. No, another one of his brothers, though obviously not skilled with battle, had proven to stand up for his brothers and for his kingdom.

After all, if the King does not lead, how can he expect his subordinates to follow?

If anything, Roland proved to Aleph that he wasn't a coward, and for that, Aleph would hold him a bit higher than if he hadn't joined in. But for now, they had other matters to tend to and couldn't awe over each other's courageous actions. Aleph would walk over, right in front of the restrained attacker and look him in the eye. Quite the glare was being emitted from Aleph, one that would strike fear into the heart of anybody except for those with great experience in the battlefield. The Goulash leader, or whatever he was, didn't flinch.

Aleph raised his hand in the air, his fist clenched as if he were going to punch, but it continued up until it was raised above him. This action hurt a bit, considering he had an injury, but it shut everyone else up. "Should we not ask how he managed to snake his way into our walls? Should we not use this man to learn anything of value? Surely he might even know something that could assist us, even in a small degree." Aleph said. "Before you result to forcing him to his death, extract any information you can. That is what I believe we should do."

The sight of bodies uneased him, almost made him sick. Roland advised himself not to stare, but the stench of blood beckoned his attention. He thought back to the brief time the battle waged, when he thought about it, having Aleph be killed by the Goulashians would actually prove beneficial, it would remove one competitor and fuel the citizens' hatred towards them. Even so, for some reason he didn't feel right about leaving his brother in the thick of it, even if he could handle himself. He was only his half brother, but he still felt a connection, just as he did to all of his brothers. It didn't surprise him too much, the sight of his other brothers fleeing, afterall most of his brothers had horrible personalities, greedy, selfish and vain. Not Roland, he wasn't about to leave anyone to fight a battle on their own, guards or not.

The old dirty looking Glouashian was the supposed leader. He felt that sending his head to his kinsmen would only prove to benefit them, the trick to keeping a war going is to make the people hate the enemy, so often times it was beneficial to be docile towards the opposing kingdom's citizens. Killing the man in the town square seemed the best idea, maybe even make it a spectacle, an event. It would enetertain the people and fill them with pride. They couldn't trust any Goulashian, to even suggest freeing him was ludicrous. Aleph seemed to read Roland's mind. Gathering information was the top priority. How did the Goulashians even breach the city walls? This was worrysome, for if their defenses were unknowingly compromised it would eventually lead to devastating losses. "As my brother suggested, interrogate him, afterwards we should be rid of him in a public spectacle."

Day 3, Midday

“Yes, Your Highness!” Saluted the remaining guard as they dragged the surviving Goulashian to the dungeon to be led to the torture chamber followed by the two exhausted princes who insisted that they be present to interrogate the prisoner. Two hours passed until the soldier confessed how his squad infiltrated the kingdom and more importantly the castle.

“I can't believe it, our own mines were worked against us?!” Say one of the Torturer's assistants in disbelief after the fact were laid out for all to so by the now badly bleeding captain. This information was a shock to all.

“We must execute him at once before his comrades come to seek him out, let's get this over with, gentlemen!” Said the Torturer to the men present.

The preparations were swift and the event grand as the Kingdom knights patrolled the street in case more Goulashians arrived and merchants installed stalls around the town's plaza, a festival already in place to celebrate the kingdom's victory over the small group of Goulashians that day.

The execution was conducted flawlessly as it was drawn out until the sunset, the populace cheering as Goulashian blood was shed on the town's square by the muscular Executioner of the kingdom. The people's blood-lust was sated for now, though the festival seemed to be ready to go on for quite some days.

As the last drop of blood dripped from the cooling corpse, the captain of the guard approached the princes present.

“What are your orders, Your Highness?”

Aleph is no longer Confident.

Aleph is now feeling Festive.

Roland is now feeling Festive.