Royal Bloodlines: A Devil's Tale

The Map

Ruminative faces sit around a large table set with vintage wine and refreshments. King Edric walks in late with two of his councilmen following behind.

One of the men holds up the flowing, imperial robes as Edric strides towards his seat with a proud smile on his face.

"Apologies for my lateness, your majestys. I took time to revel with my brave soldiers in honour of today's victory. They have a great feast." He remarks as he joins the meeting and his councilmen settle on the seats beside him.

"Congratulations on your triumph, your Majesty. I am assuming that your glorious mind is now ready to be of use in this meeting." Tolis says with pursed lips.

King Edric bows his head in a gesture of gratitude. "My astute mind is with you sir. Let's hear what's is in the map."

Tolis unfolds the long parchment paper and scans the intricately drawn map while everyone eagerly waits.

"This is an elaborate outline of Dreadmoor!" He bellows after a while, his face reflecting a state of vexation. "See for yourself." He adds in a distasteful voice while passing the scroll to Edric.

"I cannot understand the drawings." Edric says before passing the map to Adriel.

"Where is Dreadmoor?" Theo asks.

"It's an accursed land located far to the east. Only outcasts live there, those that can't fit into the civilized world, bandits, wizards, carnivores, monsters and every kind of damned souls." Tolis explains in disgust.

The room falls silent as everyone takes in his words. Many have heard fearsome rumors about Dreadmoor, but none has been there to ascertain what it truly factual about the infamous place.

"His majesty's fear of things he has never personally witnessed should not fill our hearts with concern.I am sure that Dreadmoor has nothing but a couple of monsters and dreadful rejects." Adriel says with a reassuring smile.

Everyone including Edric regards him with distrust, knowing that he is too blinded by his desire to find the sword and caution isn't part of his thoughts.

"As long as Zedon's sword is there the journey is unavoidable. We will need lots of gold to buy our way around and silver armaments to deal with hostile werewolves." Tolis says after a long moment.

"A will bring along a few of my servants." Adriel says causing Tolis and Shella to raise their eyebrows.

"Won't we need bribe for monsters as well?" He questions. "I am offering my least qualified servants to come with us for that purpose."

"I wouldn't be opposed to the idea if you were offering yourself." Tolis replies.

Adriel shakes his head and falls quiet.

"The expedition must begin at once." Edric proposes. "Shella will go on my behalf." He adds provoking silenced laughter from the rest of the group.

"I will also be joining you." Theo boldly avails himself and everyone nods in approval.

"My thoughts and prayers will accompany every one of you. And will ask my servants to provide you with all that you will need." King Edric says with an encouraging smile.

"We will also need someone that knows the way to Dreadmoor. Can you get us that?" Tolis questions.

Edric thinks for a while. "None of my men has ever left the borders of my kingdom. But I bet that one of the hundreds of werewolves that we let into our city may know the way to this place since they are savage creatures that love wild lands. And they have great strength so can use them for any battles you may encounter." He answers.

"Last time a werewolf was part of this group he stabbed us in the back. You better get us one that is trustworthy and knows the way well." Adriel cautions.

"I will select well." Edric assures.

"Tomorrow we will prepare to leave early the next day." Tolis declares and all nod in agreement before leaving the room.

* * * * *

Shella's servant watch with concern as the princess packs her suit of armor into a large backpack and puts a hunting knife beside it.

"Are you sure about this Milady?" The servant asks in a terrified tone. "I have heard rumors about Dreadmoor's pariahs and cursed earth that feeds on the lives of the living turning them into fierce carnivores."

Shella turns to look at her. "I would travel to hell if that's where my mother is." She answers. "But I am prepared for whatever dangers that may come my way. I promise to return. Just help me pack some supplies." She adds with a reassuring smile.

Her servant nods meekly and immediately takes on the task of meticulously packing more items into the backpack.

The door suddenly bursts open and Princess Mila suddenly walks into the room carrying an elvish bow and quiver full of golden arrows in her hands. Leila, youngest of King Edric's daughters, walk in behind her.

"King Tolis sent me to bring you these." Mila informs as she holds out the bow and quiver for Shella to take.

Shella smiles delightfully as she takes the gifts and sets them down on the small table beside her bed.

"He seems to believe that you're quite the beautiful, smart warrior. An extraordinary woman with a rare character. I wonder what I can do to make him think of me the same way." Mila remarks shyly.

Shella stares back at her with a baffled look, unsure of how she should reply. If her sister seeks to win the attention of the elvish King, she may end up heartbroken. Because King Tolis is yet to show any form of genuine liking for humans. But she cannot discourage her sister from trying.

"I am going to join you on the journey to Dreadmoor tomorrow. Maybe I will get a chance do something remarkable just like you and he will notice me as well." Mila adds with a dreamy look.

Shella's eyes narrow in shock. She just got her sister back after days of dreadful worry, taking her on a terrifying expedition where she can lose her life is the last thing she would want.

"No man's attention is worth your life, Mila. This quest is too dangerous." She cautions in a worried voice.

"You have your aspirations and I have my desires. I don't care about the risks. All I ask is that you support my decision to go." Mila responds in a voice full of resolve.

Shella shrugs her shoulders, realising that she has no control over her sister's decisions.

"You have my full support." She grudgingly agrees. "But it must be made clear to everyone that it was your decision to go."

Mila smiles gratefully, excitement spreading across her face. "Thank you sister." She says before hurrying out of the room to prepare herself for the journey.

Leila is left standing in Shella's cluttered room, a look of disgust on her face.

"I have heard people speak your name with awe and reverence since you saved our Kingdom from King Adriel's attack. But not everyone." She speaks after a while, her voice bitter and disdainful. "My mother thinks you're a wreck, a representation of everything a woman shouldn't be."

Shella frowns and shakes her head.

"Your mother's thoughts are illogical." She responds.

"No. She taught me to be a modest woman with feminine ambitions. You chose to be a woman with reckless courage and zero decorum. King Tolis may be attracted to you now but it's a matter of time before he sees how insane you are." Leila argues angrily, turning to leave as well.

"I hope you never return." She mutters before storming out of the room and banging the door behind her.

"Do not mind them, they are just envious that King Tolis seems enamoured with you." Shella's servant comforts her. "I have faith that he will protect you throughout this precarious journey."

"I don't need anyone to protect me, he already gave me what I need to protect myself." Shella answers, going back to inspect the bow and arrows.

* * * * *

King Tolis and Theo ramage through the palace armoury, gathering weaponry on display around them while servants do the packaging.

Adriel brings in two werewolf males making them stand infront of the group.

"I have conferred with our brothers the wolves and they have selected these two noble men to go with us." He announces.

Tolis regards him with suspicion. "I feel that you're building a personal army. If not why did you not involve the rest of us in your so called selection?" He questions.

"We talked this over last night. Furthermore these two are honourable men. We might need in dealings with hostile werewolves." Adriel explains, feigned innocence reflecting on his face.

"I think he has a point." Theo comes to his defence. "Zedon will be racing to reclaim the sword before us, we need all the help we can get."

Tolis sighs in frustration and glares at Adriel. "Be warned, should you try to pull one of your detestable tricks on this team I will hunt for your head to the ends of the lands." He warns.

"None of us can fight Zedon alone, I am not dumb." Adriel replies.

"What else do we take with us?" Theo shouts trying to digress the topic.

"More light weaponry." Tolis answers. "Silver swords, darts, arrows and a lot of gold coins. We will also need a little food the rest we will have to forage." He adds as everyone including the werewolves gets busy to pick and pack their armament.

King Edric walks in looking jovial. "Don't drain me of all my weapons. You are taking a lot of them to hunt for a single sword." He jokes. "Should you find it you must bring it to me so you can compensate for my generosity." He adds.

"If we hand it to you, will you fight Zedon hand to hand?" Adriel challenges.

"Shella will do that for me, remember what she did to your troops?" Edric teases making everyone break into laughter.

"I think that will be enough." Tolis finally calls off the packing of armaments. "Go get your hearts ready for the deadly journey, no inept coward should come unless they wish to be food for monsters." He adds making his way out of the armoury.