Dimer would often awake into a dream-like state almost as if he were swimming. Swimming in a time lost, and unknown. In the back of his mind he would hear the hushed voice of people telling him stories about the Gods and their people. The way Ylith had descended upon humanity. The way Lion-Man had given them the gift of the sun. The betrayal of Therys. It all felt too vivid to him. Too real.

  It would take one of his siblings or a tap from Kadir to snap him out of this dream-like state. He would find himself in odd positions or places. One night he had gone and left the castle and was standing up on a dark hill. No one understood how he had gotten past the guards at all. Or like the other time he had somehow gone into his sister’s room and she had woken him up only to realize that his hand was on her face.

  Derya didn’t look scared but he had felt afraid. He didn’t know what he was going to do to her. He wished he could feel the way his sister had felt.

  “You could never hurt me.” She had told him softly, taking his hand in hers. The dream he had been in that moment was forgotten quickly which made him even more afraid. There was one dream he always really liked though.

  He would be transported back thousands of years into fields of wheat, where the sun shone so brightly it was blinding. There would be a large golden tree almost always in the distance and he would be dressed in a single white robe covering his entire body. His hair was golden and glowing and it traveled down his back until his hips. He didn’t know who he was but he always felt serene and at peace.

  Then after a while of walking towards the tree he would see a man there. He was tall and had a regal look upon him. His eyes were sharp and his build was compact but he was still taller than the average man. He was old as well. He looked like every man would if he were old. Time was etched on his face and his movements seemed slow. Yet he felt far much older. His mere presence made him feel older and he was sure it made the wheat around him wrinkle.

  The man was fighting something as well. Jumping and kicking with surprising agility and strength despite his slow movements and age. The sad thing was was that whenever Dimer got close enough for his voice to be heard someone would always wake him. It wasn’t all bad really.

  Dimer stopped, snapping out of his moment of escape only to have all eyes on him. Kadir’s expression was impatient his eyes flickeirng with annoyance while Tarkan looked at him amused.

  “If you have returned from your land of dreams then I will continue.” Kadir said pointedly and Dimer nodded awkwardly sliding down in his seat.

  “Where did you go this time?” Tarkan whispered a gleam of humor in his eyes. Dimer tried to ignore Tarkan and Dimer gave him a sympathetic glance.

  “Altan wouldn’t have recovered normally it should’ve been impossible if not for the large caravan heading to the Sea of Reeds.” Kadir explained his eyes far away. “A chance too good and a foolish mistake on the part of his enemies.” Kadir went on.

  “What did you have on your mind this time?” Derya asked, one eye on Kadir. Dimerr looked down studying his hands and felt embarrassed that these stupid dreams would keep distracting him and others. They were a waste of time nothing more most likely.

  “Oh… just the usual I guess.” Dimer said making a smile. Derya looked at him her eyes darting all over his face and opened her mouth to speak but was interrupted by Kadir.

  “THAT, is why an economic recession was necessary for the Cragorians.” He said glaring at her sternly. “The Cragorians have many useful minerals but they cannot use it all so some must be sold. If it cannot be sold then their pockets run dry. Gods know you cannot eat swords and rocks.”

  “What abou the Fjords?” Tarkan asked his expression intrigued. “The Zoros, Cragorians and even us have gone through economic difficulties but it seems the Fjords have never struggled with such a thing.” Kadir dipped his head acknowledging Tarkan’s question.

  “The Fjords likely have a great surplus of wealth they have been relying on for centuries and perhaps even eons.” Kadir explained. “They hide behind their great dome and no diplomat or non Fjord has stepped foot in it for centuries.” He paused in his striding to run his hands through his beard. “Where they have gotten such wealth from it is unknown but they use it to get most of their exports from us so it certainly isn’t a thorn in the side.” Tarkan nodded taking in the information. Dimer also found it interesting. Most of the time history was his most favorite class along with their religious classes but those two went hand in hand for him.

  The wealth must be given by the Gods with no other explanation. If Tarkan had payed any attention in their religious classes he would’ve known that the Fjords wealth was given by the Gods as it had no other explanation. The Fjords exported nothing as they had nothing in their frozen wasteland. Yet they hadn’t run out of wealth for eons.

  “If it came to war between us and the Fjords who would win then Kadir?” Derya asked resting her head on her hand. Kadir looked at her curiously as if wondering where such a question could have come from. Tarkan’s ears perked up as well as this topic were of much more importance than what they were learning before.

  “Well I’d assume our council would likely be very conservative against the Fjords, they are far more wealthy than us and we can assume that their capital is impregnable so that may put us at a great disadvantage. Since they do produce anything of value in their wasteland an alliance with the Cragorians would be of utmost importance.” He smiled at her taking a seat in his chair behind his desk.

  “If you cannot eat swords then you cannot eat gold either. The coin they have is only worth however much we’re willing to give in return.” Kadir explained to them. “The Fjords may be secretive and sometimes hostile but they will always be reliant on outside sources. That is their greatest flaw and weakness. So that would be their demise.”

  “Then they are hardly an independent nation.” Tarkan snorted. “They’re weak and pathetic and we have no use for them, why do we allow them to continue existing? Why not just conquer their lands and steal their wealth?” He demanded looking exasperated.

  Tarkan could often be rash and not think some things through but this must be more ridiculous than most things he had said. Dimer loved his brother more than anything in the world. He had always assumed that if provided the chance to sacrifice his own life for his brothers he would and he assumed his brother would do the same. It just so happened though that Dimer felt himself doubting his brothers intelligence in situations like this.

  “You’re not exactly speaking like a prince right now.” Dimer said looking at Kadir trying not to show his own nervousness. “When you act as an ambassador or diplomat you can’t let thoughts like this taint your mind.” Dimer saaid.

  Kadir nodded agreeing with Dimer. “Dimer speaks the truth.” He gave Dimer a look of approval seeming to have made up for his earlier absence.

  “Its just a rational thought. Its reason.” Tarkan said tapping his head. “It irritates me when people don’t use their minds. Go with the obvious.” He muttered leaning back in his chair his face looking a little red matching his ruby eyes.

  “If the Fjords were gone then there would be an absence of power from the world though.” Derya said furrowing her brows. “I’d assume that to be another logical explanation but the Fjords really don’t seem to hold much power so why..?” She trailed off looking at Tarkan then Kadir blushing like crazy.

  “Well these are more nuanced topics that aren’t discussed very often.” Kadir said. “Somethings are just left up to that. They are not to be mentioned or touched. While everyone might be aware of them it is better to leave it alone. Why try to fix something that works?” Kadir looked at Derya and Tarkan’s faces and seeing they weren’t convinced he sighed.

  A sudden knock on the door captured all of their attention. “Who is it?” Tarkan called quickly giving a sly grin to Kadir their previous conversation forgotten in a flash. Kadir smiled softly.

  “Ser Berthol my Prince, I have come at the request of King Hajr requesting Lord Kadir’s presence at the Immediate Council.” Kadir’s expression turned darker upon hearing the Knight’s words. He stood up and opened the door to quickly relieve the knight before turning back to them.

  “Then lets stop the classes here today why don’t we?” Kadir told them returning his clam smile to his face.

  “Will you tell us what happens at the Immediate Council?” Tarkan asked excitedly standing up from his chair. While Dimer and Derya didn’t say anything more out of respect and timidness Kadir knew they wanted to know as well.

  “How about I explain to you the real reason for our alliance with the Fjords to you three instead. Would that soothe your minds more?” Dimer would much rather know about what would happen in the Immediate Council butt he didn’t want to push Kadir into anything.

  “Thats fine with us.” Dimer said grinning at Kadir before Tarkan could say something stupid. Kadir nodded his head and exited the classroom leaving the three of them there alone. Tarkan rolled his eyes and sighed slumping back in his chair.

  “I could swear by my life we’re princes in name nothing else.” Tarkan muttered not looking at any of them.

  “Don’t say that.” Derya said sympathetically. “We’re just younger thats all. In time they will tell us these things.” Her eyes lit up with excitement. “It won’t be long before King Hajr summons us to these meetings as well. Tarkan looked into Derya’s eyes for a moment and he couldn’t help smiling, Dimer could tell.

  Derya’s excitement and hope was contagious for sure. “Don’t you think though that maybe… we are perhaps a little behind in our duties and growth?” Tarkan asked without looking either in the eye.

  It felt like a stone dropped in Dimer’s stomach and he tightened his jaw. He had been afraid something like this may come up one day. He had always feared one day King Hajr would summon him to the court and accuse him of being a failure.

  He wasn’t a true Altan. He never had been. He was likely the son of a street beggar or an urchin. Worth next to nothing, a street boy made prince. It was only the passing mercy of his adoptive mother Sarina when he was around seven moons old perhaps that she had bought him from a slaver and nursed him alongside Tarkan and Derya who were both four months younger than him.

  He had then been made an honorary Altan, dressed in the finest silks in the world, given the greatest meals, an education worth paying fortunes for and care and love for his whole life. Yet deep down inside he knew he didn’t deserve any of this. He constantly reminded himself to be grateful to the Gods and the Altans that they had taken him in and taken care of them. He thought that he would always serve them in any way they needed and that he could never turn down a request or order from them. Nothing could repay the debt he had to the Altan family or his mother.

  “I do agree.” Derya said quietly looking down. “I wouldn’t say it is our own fault.” Her voice shook a little as she spoke towards the end and Dimer knew what she was remembering. The death of their mother and an attack too devestating to even think about.

  “We were traumitzied so we were coddled and protected.” Tarkan muttered clenching his jaw. “I can’t believe I was so childish.”

  “We were five.” Derya said her voice cracking. Dimer hugged his sister trying to comfort her wondering if it did her any good.

  “The heavier the hammer the greater the forge.” Tarkan said to her waving his hand. “Then there must also be heat. A greater heat can allow you to forge the metal into anything you desire.” Tarkan would sometimes switch his style of speech to match Kadir. Kadir would use metaphors and the like to express himself in more eloquent ways but it wasn’t something Tarkan could quite match.

  “We’re only fifteen yet.” Dimer said trying to be the middle ground his sister so often was. “We’ve still got years left if the Gods let, just because we’re starting late doesn’t mean we are behind.” Tarkan gazed at him with narrow eyes and made a fist with his hands on the table.

  “The prince in Cragoria has already been promised *The Reaper* at thirteen and the heir of the Zoros Dynasty has been chosen at seventeen.” Tarkan hissed through his teeth. “The last heir was picked at the ripe young age of thirty four.” Dimer knew Tarkan had a good point, it just came more down to Dimer’s unwillingness to accept this. “We are behind in almost all areas a prince must excel in. The most important thing we’ve done until now is accompany Hajr to the Tayga State and even that amounted to nothing.” He snapped his voice growing harsher. Derya’s gaze looked miserable as Tarkan continued to speak. Dimer knew his brother didn’t mean to hurt them in any way but it seemed to be happening nonetheless.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  “Then why not convince then we are ready.” Dimer said cutting Tarkan off mid sentence. “Commit a great feat of braver or intelligence and allow them to see your greatness. Slay a dragon or or… solve a great issue in our kingdom.” Dimer shrugged knowing he had his brother pinned now. “Do something.” He said.

  Takran glared at him accusingly and got up to leave the room. Derya looked alarmed as he tried to leave and Dimer sighed knowing he would have to follow his brother and make amends with him. Derya quickly followed suit behind Takran and followed him to where he was going which seemed to be nowhere in particular.

  “I didn’t really mean it!” Dimer called. “Its just something to exercise your mind around y’know? Like a riddle or something.” Dimer quickly flew down the stairs even skipping some steps to follow his siblings. It seemed they were going out to Altun, the capital of their empire.

  “Would you like for us to perhaps accompany you my Prince?” One of the soldiers guarding the door asked looking concerned. Dimer opened his mouth to say yes when Tarkan’s agitated voice came from ahead.

  “No WE don’t!” He said his voice snapping like a whip. Dimer mumbled an apology to the guard and quickly ran up to catch up to his siblings. Derya immediately latched onto his arm and Tarkan’s giving him an apologetic look and he nodded accepting her apology. Derya had drawn her hood over and had also used her face cover to mask most of her face only revealing her eyes and brows.

  “So where are we going now?” Derya asked Tarkan curiously. Tarkan didn’t respond going down the steps down to the village where aristocrats and nobles resided. Here you wouldn’t find much of poverty or street urchins but elsewhere it was quite prevalent. Dimer knew when they descended into the village people would stare at them and he began to feel quite uncomfortable as people had already spotted them coming down.

  “We really can’t go anywhere else?” Dimer asked quietly as they made it to the town. People had already begun to follow them whispering at first befor their voices got louder. It wouldn’t be long before they could hardly move. It was actually quite ridiculous how all of these great nobles would swarm around three children. Ozgur had told him since they were young many people would want to get in their favours with the three of them. It could prove to be greatly beneficial for them.

  Dimer clung tightly to his sister as he eyed the nobled about. Dimer didn’t really trust any of them. He recognized most of them from balls or feasts they had or any other events they may have attended. He also didn’t like the way they looked at Derya.

  It hadn’t been too long ago that a small prince from Cragoria had arrived at their shores announcing his intention to ask for Derya’s hand in marriage. When asked if he had even seen her once prior he had admitted he had only come on hearsay and rumors about Derya’s beauty.

  There some other rumors like that about other women as well. Songs were sung for Queen Zorvaia from dusk till dawn about her unparalleled beauty and he had even meet her once five years ago at a week long event where all Kings and Queens had been invited to Turukhan to participate in a week of tourneys and feasts.

  There he had kissed the Queen’s hand showing his courtesy to her and he could agree the songs weren’t quite wrong. There were also rumors of a princess of the Fjord family but who even knew if that were true. Despite all of that Dimer could say his sister was the fairest maiden in all of Turukhan easily putting the rest to shame.

  “Prince Tarkan would you like to see the swords I have forged this year?” A man with one eyes asked. He was burly and tall with gray hair, apparently balding. Dimer pitied the man wondering what a man like him had any business doing following around three kids like a wart.

  It wasn’t long before they were halted an unable to move any further. They had arrived at the heart of the city where the stature of kings stood tall an proud. It was a statue of the last king, King Bayar, Tarkan’s father standing up straight and tall his face dignified. He held the [Altan Sword] and had the emblem of the Goat with a sword coming out of its mouth on his eyes with coiling marks down the middle of his body and up his face and going sideways to stop at his shoulders. Now Dimer understood why they had left. The croud had become too dense now for them to move. Looking at Tarkan’s expression Dimer knew he hadn’t thought of this.

  Tarkan was lamely stuck mumbling greetings and polite nods to the nobles and men and even Dimer was as well. A man groomed well approached them with a stride of confidence and performed a great bow before them before introducing himself.

  “I am Jeront first born to my father Clyfor of house Wilderry and I am truly honoured to meet you three.” He told them in the most dignified manner he could muster. Tarkan gave the man a disdainful look masked with politeness he had learned from their classes of etiquette.

  “Its delightful to meet you.” Dimer said trying to ignore the rest of the people watching and speaking.

  “I must tell you my Princess and Princess.” He said putting great effort into the word. “I am quite the accomplished swordsman and would like you to see my combat prowess firsthand.” It was just another man, more likey a boy once you had a closer look at him. His beard was hardly grown and looked more like some shaggy torn cloths than anything. Pimples adorned his face and Dimer had to guess he was no more than two three years older than them. It was just another person feigning to be a knight and granted the title of Ser.

  “Perhaps another time actually.” Tarkan said turning to leave despite the annoyance in Jeront’s eyes.

  “My prince, I sincerely insist.” Jeront said putting great effort into the word sincerely. Tarkan stifled his sigh and nodded politely gesturing for the boy to continue.

  “We’ll make a run for it half way through his performance.” Dimer joked to Derya and she giggled covering her mouth. As Jeront loudly announced a challenge for anyone brave enough to face him something caught his eyes. It was a three hooded individuals who were with the crowd far ahead of them watching the commotion. Their hoods were ragged and dirty likely stained from a long journey. The tallest one’s face was mostly hooded but Dimer could see eerie glowing eyes from him. The next was a boy it seemed with odd markings across his face. The other two were hidden from his view. They didn’t seem to notice him at first but the tallest one turned to look Dimer straight in his eyes and Dimer froze in place terrified the man may attack him. He had pure white hair now Dimer could tell and his glowing eyes were more eerie now than before.

  “Now is not the time to daydream.” Derya said her voice struck with panic as she shook him. Dimer turned away from the hooded man only for his jaw to drop to the floor as he saw Tarkan dancing around with a sword he had no idea how to use against Jeront.

  “How did that happen?” Dimer hissed between his teeth. He knew with the sinking feeling in his chest this had no benefit in it. A man grabbed Jeront by his shoulder and pulled him in his eyes panicked as well. He was well dressed and looked similar to Jeront so he could only assume he was his father. Dimer didn’t catch what they were saying but the boy looked angry but didn’t refuse.

  “If you go easy against me I’ll order for your head to be spiked up against a wall.” Tarkan said waving his sword but Dimer could see Tarkan shaking from here.

  “He has no idea how to use a sword.” Dimer moaned covering his face in exasperation.

  “Tarkan thought this would be a great moment to prove that he is worth it.” Derya said her eyes so worried they looked like a mother deer shielding her fawn. Seeing her worry reminded him he needed to be the stronger one in this moment.

  “If you say so my Prince.” Jeront replied wielding his sword with much more experience than Tarkan.

  “He’s gonna get us killed!” cried the man who Dimer assumed to be Jeront’s father.

  “BEGIN!” Someone from the crowd yelled. Dimer didn’t even think that was the official call but it didn’t matter for them. Quickly Jeront dashed forward with his blade and now Dimer realized they weren’t even blunt. Jeront went in for a stab that Tarkan dodged with a little too much stumble before catching himself and retaliating.

  From his movements it was obvious Jeront was just playing with Tarkan. Dimer only hoped the boy didn’t embarrass him too badly. Otherwise it would be the end for him and his family.

  “What if he accidentally killed Tarkan.” Derya said tugging on Dimer’s sleeve like a little girl. Dimer looked at her at a loss for words.

  “Don’t fret my princess.” Said a sudden cool voice. Dimer looked back horrified to see the man from earlier with the golden eyes. This time his hood was down though and he had a confident smile on his face. He was startlingly handsome as well to Dimer’s surprise. His white hair jutting off into many directions. “The prince will survive this bout.” Derya hardly looked at the man maybe not even hearing his words.

  Dimer would like to ask the man how he knew but he was having trouble holding Derya from going out onto the field to intervene into the battle. He didn’t think Tarkan would forgive them for a week if that were to happen.

  “My name is Zayd by the way.” The man offered his voice calm, even cheerful.

  “Nice to meet you.” Dimer hissed annoyed at the man. He seemed so confident in his words and actions, it was reminding him too much of his brother right now.

  “He’s gonna get himself killed.” Derya cried burying her face into her shoulder. She grabbed Dimer swinging him a little and looked straight into his eyes. Her emerald eyes were glowing brightly and he couldn’t tell if it were from the tears or if they had always been like this.

  Zayd placed a hand on their shoulders and gestured towards the match. “The goal is cut the opponent once. Which Tarkan hasn’t been able to do and Jeront hasn’t done yet.” Dimer looked at the man cautiously. He obviously wasn’t from here. He didn’t look like he was from anywhere actually. Quite an exotic human. “Now watch what happens here.” Zayd said his golden eyes sparkling more than usual. “A fateful stumble.” As Jeront danced around Tarkan smoothly the tip of his foot struck the ground causing him to stumble. “A moment of instinct.” Zayd continued his face filled with apprehension. Tarkan turned swiftly with the blade in a speed he hadn’t shown before. “Then a little fate.” Zayd said his voice so tense Dimer thought a blood vessel may explode. Jeront stumbled again- right into Tarkan’s blade.

  At first it happened slowly. First Jeront stumbled again and headed face first into Tarkan’s blade which was actually in a really bad position. He had obviously swung aimlessly in hopes of touching his target but he had been too fast, too heedless. He sliced through Jeront’s face. Long and deep. His screamed echoed throughout the streets as he collapsed holding his face and crying out in pain. The father ran over grabbing his son in horror trying to get a look at his face.

  The crowd echoed gasps and some ladies even screamed while some of the older men merely raised their brows. It was…. Unexpected. Zayd was gone as well now seeming to have disappeared into the crowd. Now Dimer would never know how he knew Tarkan would win.

  Derya let out a cry of relief and ran forward grabbing Tarkan so tightly he thought Tarkan might explode. Tarkan didn’t looked shocked in the least though but Dimer knew that must be a ploy. Tarkan could be very good at hiding his emotions when it mattered most. His face was even covered in the boys blood now. Derya was reprimanding Tarkan while at the same time trying to clean the blood off of his face. Tarkan pushed her off and went over to the statue of his father and climbed onto the base of it and held the sword in his hand high and proud.

  “Let all those who are witness to the events today know that the Gods have favored me today!” He announced loudly. At first there was nothing not a sound. Everyone knew Tarkan didn’t deserve that. “The Gods have favoured me today not because I am the greater warrior. Not because I am more intelligent. And not even because I am a prince.” He announced even louder now. “They have favoured me because of my courage. My lionheartedness.” He looked at them all taking in a deep breath. “They have favored me because of my will, which is resolute, impenetrable even by the greatest blades.” At those words the crowd erupted chants, and whistle flying through the air. Dimer could’ve sworn he saw a girl faint in the back of the crowd and even flowers were being thrown for some reason.

  “Anticipate the rise of me, to kinghood, as I Tarkan, Son of Bayar, the legacy of Altan promise the world on a silver platter to you citizens of my kingdom!” Now Tarkan was just talking Dimer knew. Men were likely to believe whatever was spoonfed to them and even these men, would believe what a this boy-prince would have to say.

  There was a saying that Dimer had heard when he was younger by Cem. “The great families have always set their castles on high hills and mountains. They’ve always been closer to the Gods rather than the humans they lead.” No doubt these people believed in that.

  “I had hoped to be king for a long time yet.” Came a firm voice. Dimer whirled around to see King Hajr standing, next to him Ozgur and Kadir their faces masked completely. Tarkan met Hajr’s eyes unflinching.

  “It seems you have gained a false confidence my prince.” Ozgur said calmly.

  “If you go too far ahead of yourself you may never see the precipice lying below.” Kadir agreed his frows furrowing now unable to keep his irritation a secret.

  Dimer knew they were coddled. They had been coddled like children for their whole lives and Dimer also knew that if Tarkan kept this up he would be punished like a child. Tarkan stood proudly on his father’s statue for a moment more looking at the people and then at Hajr undecisively.

  “My reign is soon to come!” Tarkan announced loudly stepping down from the statue. The crowd erupted into loud cheers once again much to the irritation of the Ozgur it seemed. Dimer and Derya quickly went over to them as well and without a word they turned away. King Hajr only issued some hasty greetings and words with some of the more higher ranking men as they returned to the steppes up to the castle.

  “The devils have possessed you boy I must say.” Ozgur said, nodding his head a slight look of impression on his face. “I didn’t know you had it in you.” Tarkan flashed a grin to Dimer and Dimer tried smiling back at him but he couldn’t muster it. Upon seeing that Tarkan’s own smile fell and he turned to look back at the ground.

  “It was foolish and nothing more.” Hajr said his voice tight. “To rile up the greater families was foolish even for you.” He snapped, turning around to Tarkan.

  “I was tired of all of it.” Tarkan said irritably. King Hajr rolled his eyes at Tarkan and turned away making a hand signal at Kadir. Kadir nodded and turned to them as Hajr walked away.

  “Would you rather know about the Fjords or what happened at the council meeting today?” Kadir asked them curiously. Ozgur watched with faint interest in his eyes. Dimer looked to Tarkan wondering if he would say anything but not a word came out from him.

  “Do we only get to choose one?” Derya asked Kadir. Kadir nodded his head.

  “An excellent question.” Ozgur murmured. “Quite the mind with this one.” Derya looked down blushing. Dimer didn’t know which to choose. The question itself seemed stupid but given the way Hajr had flicked his hand at Kadir it likely meant something important had happened at the council. They wouldn’t propose something useless to them, never. The council meeting must’ve been important.

  “The council meeting.” He said confidently. His confidence was immediately crushed by Tarkan’s hiss of annoyance. Kadir looked at Tarkan sternly but Ozgur’s eyes only shone more brightly at Dimer.

  “Young Prince, that may be the greatest decision you have ever made in your life.”