Ron entered two more taverns and even an inn but the information they had wasn't even close to Old Jack's. He was already tired so he decided to go back. Besides, someone might notice he was missing which will raise a lot of trouble for him.
When he was halfway out of town, a group of goons appeared on the road. They were big and burly, all holding sharp looking daggers.The leader stepped forward, holding a sword which he pointed at Ron. "Hand over your money. Every bit of it and I'll think about you letting you leave this place alive"Fear crept into Ron's heart. He had never been in this kind of situation before. Worst of all, he didn't carry any weapon. He didn't think there would be any reason to.Sweat dropped the side of his face. He decided to use flattery and some sweet words to see if he could escape with everything he had intact. "Good, kind, handsome man, you look very reasonable. Can't we talk about this?"The goons snickered. It seemed like this guy didn't get the severity of the situation. The leader swung his sword and Ron stepped back, narrowly escaping the gleaming tip. Still, a bit of his fake hair was cut. He quickly untied his pouch and threw it to the leader. "There, that's all I have with me. Let me go now". He's a prince. Money wasn't an issue so why give his life?The leader weighed the pouch in his hand and gave an unsatisfied look. "Search him"Both of Ron's hands were pulled and clasped behind his back. When he tried to struggle, a dagger was held to his throat. He could feel the cold metal against his Adam's apple. His heart was beating rapidly and he was sweating profusely. One mistake and he would die. Two men came forward and started to search him. Their grubby hands went into all sorts of places, invading his privacy. Ron felt dirty all over. Nothing of this sort has ever happened to him. "There's nothing else" one of them confirmed. The leader hissed. They followed him for quarter of a pouch of gold? What nonsense! It wouldn't be enough."I'm afraid this is too small" he said to Ron who was already trembling. "You'll have to pay with your life!" He swung his sword.Ron's heart leapt to his throat and he closed his eyes. No no no! He couldn't die like this! This can't be end for him! He heard the sound of blade piercing through flesh. He felt the warm spray of blood on his face and heard a gut wrenching groan. Ron opened his eyes and saw the most handsome man he had ever seen in his life standing before him, holding the severed head of the leader. Thin streaks of blood stained his white cheek. His silver hair went down in waves, stopping right above his cheekbones. Violet coloured eyes stared coldly at Ron, making him shiver. His heart began to pound fiercely in his chest. With the moon's silver rays shining down, the man looked ethereal. Ron's breath was taken away. The man holding the dagger to his throat moved and cut a very thin line on Ron's throat, enough to draw blood but he didn't even feel it. He couldn't look away from the gorgeous man in front of him. Ron has never felt so strongly for anyone or anything in his life. "Y-You! Who are you?!" the man holding Ron screamed, jolting him back to his senses.The rest of the goons pulled out their swords and charged. The silver haired man moved with ease, his black robes fluttering in the mild wind. His sword moves were fluid like water, cutting up his opponents like a hot knife through butter.Ron had never seen a man look so beautiful. He moved swiftly as his body was very flexible and In a matter of seconds, the other goons were all dead.Their bodies were scattered on the floor. Lifeless. Each and every one of them. Their blood stained the grass and soaked the soil. Some had their limbs severed while others had their heads cut off. Bile rushed to his throat at the stench and sight of the blood and spilled organs but he forced it down and refocused on the dangerous man before him. He could feel the dagger shaking in the hand of the man that held him. Ron wanted to tell him to be careful. He could die with just a move!The silver haired man threw the head of the leader on the floor and crushed it under his foot, smearing blood and brain matter all over then he took a step forward. The man holding Ron panicked. "Don't! Don't come any closer or I'll kill him!"Ron didn't know if he should laugh or cry. "Are you stupid?" he asked the man. "Do I look like I know him? He's not here for me. In fact, he might even want to kill me with you! Hurry up and let me go!"The man didn't believe him. "No No. He slaughtered all my friends! He's here to save you. I'm sure of it!"The silver haired man took another step."Stop!" The man holding Ron screamed. "Stop! Stop or I'll really kill him!". His hand was trembling uncontrollably and Ron started to panic. "See kind sir" he said to the silver haired man with a smile. "I'm in no way related to any of them. In fact, they had stopped me here and tried to kill me. If it weren't for your superb interruption, This humble poor soul would be in heaven right now. For that, I'm very grateful. Just please, spare this man for he might really give me an early death!"The silver haired man wasn't listening. In fact, he just kept taking step after step.The dagger pressed further into his skin and Ron started to shake. "P-Please sir! I hope you're not planning on killing me too. I've been a good person all my life. I'm obedient and very nice. I also help a lot of people. If you do want to kill me, please reconsider. I'll do anything you want. Anything at all!"The man holding Ron was actually a newbie and he had never killed a person before. Being in this situation, he didn't know what to do and he also didn't want to die. The mangled bodies of his brothers were enough to give him nightmares for a lifetime. He decided, fuck it! He dropped the dagger and bolted.Fear made Ron nearly fall to his knees. Nearly, for the silver haired man caught him before his body made contact with the floor.Ron fell into a warm gentle embrace. He raised his head, parting his long lashes to look at the man holding him. Cold violet eyes stared straight at the running man. Ron felt that there such a huge contrast between being in his arms and those beautiful eyes. "Don't chase him" he said, making those plum coloured orbs stare down at him. "He has never killed a person. I could tell, believe me. If he had, he wouldn't have hesitated so much to kill me. I doubt he would even hurt a fly after what he has witnessed today so please, don't go after him"The fear he initially felt disappeared without a trace. Something told him that the man would not hurt him. The man nodded. "You're injured" he said, eyes sweeping down to look at the bleeding wound on Ron's neck. His voice was deep, alluring and magnetic, tugging at Ron's heartstrings. Perfect. Just perfect!Ron wa
Queen Lilian pulled Ron and squished his face into her bosom. Ron struggled and struggled, trying not to get suffocated by the large mounds on her chest but her hold only went tighter and tighter so he gave up and went limp like a wet noodle. "My baby is going so far away" she sobbed, completely shattering her elegance in the face of her family. Ron knew exactly where he got his personality from.His mother might be cool, calm and collected in front of outsiders but with her family, she was just an ordinary person. She behaved exactly the way she wanted to behave. Ron's only problem was that he couldn't act like that. To him, it was like splitting his personality. He'd rather just be himself.King Cain and Princess Rose stood at the side, watching the mother and son. "Mum come on, I'll be back in at least a week or two. You've seen me every single day since I was born. Don't you think you should take a break? Besides, I'm an adult now so stop treating me like a child" Ron complaine
Ron talked and talked. He talked about the novels he read and the wonderful creatures within. He talked about how the brain works and how fun it is to imagine so many things. How amazing it is to just conjure stuff up and make it real in fiction. Everyone felt bored and wished they could just shut him up. It didn't matter if they didn't reply to what he was saying. Prince Ron was very skilled in the arts of talking to oneself. He cracked bad jokes and laughed at them himself. When he felt laughing alone was too boring, he forced the servants to laugh by threatening to punish them by packing horse shit when they return to Ashenmore. Next, he forced them to sing.Poor servants. After two hours, the prince still wasn't done so Leo thought of the only thing that would make him shut up. To put him in the carriage with the princess. If everyone cooperated, the King would not even know. "Prince Ron" he called. "I think you can enter the carriage now. I'll let you come out after a few hour
After a week's journey, Princess Rose, Prince Ron, the guards and the servants that went with them, arrived at the North's main gate. It was very cold so the siblings remained hidden in the carriage while the rest had thick coats on. Their faces were pale. They never knew the North was so cold. How could people survive in such a place?To get to the castle, they had to go through the town. The townspeople all came out to see their soon to be queen but all they saw where half frozen faces and one exquisitely handsome face. It was that of a young man, peeking out of the carriage window. He had soft looking russet curls, brilliant green eyes and a radiant smile. The women who saw this face were swooning. Some men were jealous while others felt it would be nice to have such a beauty to themselves. Prince Ron smiled at every person he made eye contact with. He even winked at some of the women. He felt that Netheridge was full of pretty faces. He hasn't seen a single ugly one. Even the men
Ron nodded and he and Ludiciel started to walk side by side. Ludiciel remained quiet so Ron used the time to look around. His face was straight, devoid of any emotion but his green eyes showed it all. The hidden excitement, the amazement, the joy. He felt like bursting. The Netheridge castle was awesome! It was so large he could hardly see the ceiling but there were lights glowing everywhere, making it look so magical. The walls were painted an icy blue which looked cold to the touch. He wanted to know if it was really cold but that would destroy his princely character so he retracted his hand. He also realized that since they stepped inside, it wasn't cold anymore.Ah pretending was so tiring. He didn't think he could keep up. His back was starting to hurt and his face was feeling a bit stiff. He wondered how his parents could retain such an expression for years. Leo gazed at Ron from time to time. His heart softened at the prince's antics. He knew Ron was a type of person that did
"Do you like him that much, sister?" he asked softly, wanting to make sure.Rose raised her head and looked at Ron right in the eyes. "I've never been so sure about anything in my entire life Ron. I love him and I want to marry him"Ron completely understood what it felt like to love someone even if it's just for a day. His silver haired hero had been on his mind since the day they met. "Don't be sad. I'll go talk to him alright? I'll work something out"The doubt in her eyes were as clear as day. What could Ron do? What had he ever accomplished in his life? Ron didn't like the look. It further strengthened his resolve. "Don't look at me like that sister. You've done so much for me. Let me do something for you too. I'm not saying that I'll succeed but least let me try. You've always told me to never give up without trying haven't you? Do you want to go back on your own words?"Rose shook her head. She couldn't believe Ron remembered such things at a time like this. With that said, al
"I am sorry" King Zedekiel said, standing before Ron. "I didn't want to hurt your sister but I can't go on with this marriage". Every single word spoken was chilling and none of them sounded sincere. As if he was being forced to say it.The hatred he felt was bone deep and he couldn't hide it. He didn't bother trying to sound like he meant what he was saying because he didn't."Why not?" Ron asked. "You asked for her hand yourself and when it was given to you, you want to discard it. Do you think marriage is a joke? Is my sister some toy?" Ron was even more hurt that Zedekiel was right before him but he couldn't recognize him.Then he recalled that he was wearing a disguise that day. That stupid wig and ugly mustache! How he wished he revealed his true identity. Zedekiel shook his head. "I was forced by my Queen mother. The truth is, I do not love your sister. I'll ruin two lives by marrying her. Mine as well as hers. I hope you understand". He talked with a straight face. His words
Zedekiel and Ludiciel froze while Mariel's heart started to beat faster. Before Mariel could answer, Ron sighed and dropped her arm. "Forget it. I'm sorry. I can't do it""What?!" Both brothers shouted. Mariel felt wronged. She wanted to cry."I'm sorry Mariel" Ron apologized again. "I just wanted to prove something to your brother""You!" Zedekiel shouted, jacking Ron up by the collar. "It hurts, doesn't it?" Ron sneered and Zedekiel's hold loosened, gazing at Ron in disbelief. "You don't like seeing your sister hurt just as I don't like seeing mine hurt. Be lucky I didn't go through with the act. I'm not like you. I can't bear to hurt your own sister because she's innocent in all this"Ludiciel let out a tiny smile. So that was Ron's plan. He had also tried to convince Zedekiel not to call it off but he didn't listen. Maybe Ron could make him see reason. Ron placed his palm over Zedekiel's hand. He lightly shivered for the hand was cold. The touch seemed to awaken Zedekiel so he
The urgency in the guard's voice echoed through the halls as they burst into the room, their breaths heavy with adrenaline. As the guard's words pierced the air, the throne room was engulfed in a sudden eruption of emotion. Gasps and murmurs swept through the gathered courtiers like a gust of wind. The Officials rose from their seats, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of concern and urgency. Servants scurried to relay the news throughout the castle.Zedekiel’s younger self, seated upon the throne, stood swiftly, a mixture of emotions flickering across his face: worry, relief and determination. “Is he alive?” he asked as the guards gently laid Prince Kayziel’s body on the floor. The body was motionless, skin wet, matted with blood and dirt.The current Zedekiel watched quietly for he could remember everything that had happened concerning his betrayer of an uncle. If he had known everything his uncle had planned, he would have made sure he died right on the floor.The air hummed w
In the end, he sighed and stood up. “Fine. You’re right. You’re your own person. I have no right to dictate what you should and not do. I don’t want you to ever feel like that’s what I’m doing. You’re my baby brother Ral, and you mean the world to me so I’m just trying to protect you. I’m sorry if I came off as a dictator. You don’t have to come back with me. You can stay here and wait for him. I’ll figure out what to tell mum and dad.” Not expecting his headstrong brother to agree with him and even apologise, Ron was stunned. He stood up and gazed at his brother with a kind of look that was a mixture of shock and joy. “Really? You mean that?” “Of course.” Alaric nodded, smiling. “Would I ever lie to you?” Ron knew his brother always meant what he says and always kept his word so he broke into a large grin and engulfed his brother in a big hug. “Thank you thank you thank you thank you! Gosh brother you’re the best!” Zedekiel couldn’t help but smile at the entire scene. He was g
Older brother? Zedekiel was stunned. Alaric was Ron's older brother?Ron pouted cutely and turned his back to Alaric. "Go away. I don't want to talk to you.""Oh I'm not here to talk." Alaric said. He stomped forward and grabbed Ron by the back of his collar and yanked. "I'm here to drag your naughty ass back home."Alarmed, Ron scurried to his knees and stretched out his hands. "Maelda!"Maelda immediately responded, sending her vines out to Ron. He grabbed them and pulled himself back. "I'm not going home! Not now!"Alaric groaned still tugging on his collar. "Ugh, why do you have to be so stubborn?""Let go!" Ron shouted, holding on to the vines of the Mother Tree. "I'm not going home! Not until I see him!"Alaric huffed angrily; "Come on, Ral. We have to go back! Mum and dad are worried sick. You've been here since yesterday.""Go back and tell them to not worry." Ron said, hugging the tree tighter. "I'm fine, Alaric. I just need to see him."Zedekiel watched the entire exchange,
He gazed down at himself and realized he was in a ghost-like form, ethereal and weightless, allowing him to glide silently through the dimly lit space. It was at that moment his memories flooded back to him—Ron being taken, him trespassing into the Witches Coven and drinking Alaric's potion, a concoction meant to unveil his forgotten past. He gazed around once more, wondering, was this his past? When did this happen? Why was his room in such a mess?His ears caught a faint sound of crying. He immediately followed the sorrowful echoes and found himself floating before his bathroom. He raised a hand to turn the handle but his ghostlike form went through it. He then realised that he could not touch anything in his past. He was just meant to see what he had begged the Mother Tree to erase.On one hand, he was dreading what he would find in the bathroom and on the other, he was curious to know. He could rememberbhis Mother begging him to leave his past in the past and not try to remember.
To say Zedekiel was shocked from the information was an understatement. He was completely flabbergasted. He couldn't even bear to see Ron hurt in any way. How could he kill him with his own hands? What the hell was Alaric talking about?"You coward." Alaric grumbled, adding a few more ingredients to his pot. "I've been so mad about it for years now. I even had half the mind to curse you in an endless limbo of emotional torture. For you to find true love but never have it but then, you helped me with Talon so I decided not to interfere with your fate. Besides, cursing you would be like cursing Ron since his fate is intertwined with yours and I can't do that to him.""You talk like you knew him." Zedekiel said, still confused. He didn't understand a single thing. "What exactly are you trying to tell me? I can never hurt Ron. I love him.""Yet you ended his life with your own hands." Alaric said, adding his final ingredient to the pot. A drop of water from the lake of memories. The green
In the middle of the room sat a large black pot with thin white smoke emanating from it. The crow on Alaric's shoulder flew to it's small black cage while Alaric went to the pot, adding a few sprinkles of what seemed to be seeds. "So, how exactly am I supposed to help you?" He asked."I want you to find him." Zedekiel stated. "We have a feeling he might be at the Echoing Isle but we need you to confirm it."Alaric hummed, thinking about Zedekiel's request as he stirred the bubbling liquid in the pot. "By him, you mean your human lover right?" He didn't wait for Zedekiel to answer and continued; "I don't know why you're going through all this trouble for one tiny powerless human. I mean, you're the King of the Elves. An extremely powerful creature. Why not be with someone on your level? Someone worthy of you."Zedekiel's eyes blazed with fury especially after hearing the last sentence. The intensity of his anger seemed to fill the room with an electric charge. His jaw clenched tightly,
As Zedekiel dared to step further into the village, a booming voice reverberated through the forest, causing the very trees to tremble."Who dares to trespass into the witches' coven?"In response to the commanding voice, the witches emerged one by one, encircling the Elf Brothers with an ominous presence that sent chills down Ludiciel's spine.Zedekiel on the other hand, kept walking. As if he didn't see or hear anything."Hey! I'm talking to you!" The witch who had spoken earlier shouted at Zedekiel. "Stop! Come back here!""Brother don't leave me!" Prince Ludiciel exclaimed, running after Zedekiel."I said stop!" The witch shouted once more but it fell on deaf ears for Zedekiel just kept on walking. Furious, she commanded her fellow witches. "Stop him!"They sprung to action, wands in hands as they all moved to attack Zedekiel at the same time.Zedekiel, already seething with pent-up anger, unleashed a torrent of raw power that surged forth like a tidal wave, crashing into the witc
"Haven't you noticed? She's in love with him." Zedekiel said. "I think it all started the day he saved her during the feast but let's talk about this some other time. We have to find Ron."He was going crazy just by not having Ron by his side. In a way, he felt Mariel was right. It was due to his incompetence that Prince Ron was taken by Fredrick. He didn't protect him like he promised to. His heart hurt at the thought of what Prince Ron might be going through. Especially after the things Fredrick said to him the first time. If Frederick dared to hurt Ron in any way, he would give him the worst kind of death imaginable."What are we going to do?" Prince Ludiciel asked. "I have men combing through every inch of this Kingdom and the neighbouring ones. Should we wait for their feedback?"Zedekiel shook his head immediately. He was restless. "I can't wait that long. It has already been a day. If he was anywhere close, we would have found him by now. Fredrick knows that so he wouldn't keep
Memories flooded his mind like a torrential downpour, each one a bittersweet reminder of the happiness he had once known. He missed their conversations, filled with laughter and whispered confessions. He missed their kisses and intimate moments and he longed to see Zedekiel's smile, a radiant beacon of joy that never failed to brighten his darkest days. He missed Zedekiel with an ache that seemed to penetrate his very soul. Being away from him hurt so much that he wanted to cry. Tears brimmed in his eyes, threatening to fall but he bit his lip, sniffling, trying to hold them back. With each passing moment, the ache of separation grew more unbearable, and Prince Ron found himself yearning with every fiber of his being to be reunited with his beloved who had captured his heart completely. He never knew he could miss Zedekiel so much. It was at that moment that he realised the depth of his feelings for Zedekiel. He wished he had answered quickly back at the bridge. He wished he had po