The continent of Severn

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, Evening

After an excellent meal in his new quarters, Roland passed a leisurely afternoon of poetry and naps, words flowing elegantly on the expensive vellum he was provided with along with an elegant eagle quill. That pretty poetry would not impress an hardened matron, but would sway the earth of any doe-eyed maiden of the kingdom.

With the time he allowed for this hobby, Roland thought about his future some more, alone once more but now free, he could permit himself such luxury of thought. As he fell asleep once more, hours passed.

Being awakened gently by a personal attendant was a new experience for the prince who was not used for company of any kind after passing his life until then imprisoned. The prince was presented with another meal in his luxurious bed and was led to the changing room to change from his sleeping clothes and into his everyday clothes.

“Your Highness, What would you like to do this evening?” Roland's new servant said as she finished adjusting the last of his garments.

Roland was no longer Fatigued.

Roland was feeling Suave.

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.

Day 2, Morning

All that thinking did some good for Roland, as it structured his mind a little more and game him the wisdom to not do anything recklessly. That night he slept the slumber of the Just, dreaming of smiling maiden and of what his kingdom will one day look like if he should successfully gain the throne. Those dreams were colourful and full of joy, letting him with a sense of peace when he woke, the dream but a distant memory in the world of the awakened.

He was once more awakened slowly by his attendant and dressed, the same maid as the day before smiling at him as she brought him his breakfast on the small table in his room. The day was sunny and bright, as befitting a day of late July. A good day for some outdoor training. As Roland ate leisurely, his attendant approached him once more.

"Your schedule is free today, Your Highness, though I must warn you that in two days an announcement will be made to present you and your brother's to the kingdom. A tailor will be taking your measurement tonight. What would you like to do today?" The old man asked as the prince took one last bite of his decadent breakfast.

Roland's Wisdom increased by 1

Roland feels Peaceful today.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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."

With another enemy now fallen, Aleph smiled in happiness, for that meant one less man to deal with. Now they knew what had been used against them, and now they could use it to assist him. Aleph had the basis of a plan, but of course he would at least need another's mind on the matter. Considering he had helped in the battle, Roland sounded like a good choice for this.

"Captain, I would wish to speak to you and Roland in private about certain... matters that I believe would benefit us to some degree." he spoke. "I believe making use of the mines to lure Goulashians in would work wonders, and a second or third ear would well be appreciated."