King's Shadow - A Threat In The Dark

Throne of Isolgoth can never be yours, Kelin. It’s been three years that exchange took place, yet the memory of that conversation, his father’s words, were fresh like a recent event. No doubt, you are one of the best warriors of the kingdom, but son, the seat demands wisdom. And, you are not a worthy suitor.
            Lost in thoughts, with fractured pride, Kelin loitered in the long corridor, his hands clasped behind. A pair of patrolling guards halted before him. They bowed in servitude and continued their duty, distracting him for a while. He then realized where he was. Hall of Rest. Alcoves ran both sides of the archway, filled with human sized sculptures of his ancestors, the late kings and queens of Meral Isle. Between each past generation, braziers danced frantically, infusing life to the shadows of the lifeless.

            Kelin resumed his stroll. But father, he remembered, wisdom won’t stop our enemies from attacking.
            Son, you are too young for this responsibility. You are not ready.
            And when will you think that I’ll be prepared for the kingship, father?
            He stopped at his father’s statue and admired his glory. He could still feel the anger in those stone eyes.
            Enough, Kelin! He recalled his father’s rumblings. By winning a mere battle you cannot consider yourself commendable! Throne will pass to your brother.  Arsan will rule Isolgoth after my last breath. And that’s my final verdict. Now begone!
            Darkness lay ahead of him as he passed the latest king’s statue. Empty alcoves stretched from there, awaiting the new rulers to die so they could be occupied. Torches were forbid to light here; high-vents were heavily curtained to hide such repulsiveness of Hall of Rest.
            Sighing heavily and finding no reason to wander ahead, Kelin turned for his chamber.
            A hand stretched out from the murkiness and yanked him in the nearby empty alcove. Even before he could call the patrolling guards, another hand of his grasper silenced his mouth.
            Panicked, Kelin tried to untangle himself, cuffing his hands over his seizer.
            But the man remained unmoved and unknown in the gloom.
            Suddenly, his hand slipped to the grabber’s waist and touched something metallic – a sword’s hilt. It felt strange as his fingers ran over the two gems infused in it. He knew who carried such sword. Kelin stopped his resistance. An assuring smile touched his lips. He was sure there would be no harm to his life.
            The man of the darkness too relaxed his grip.
            “You should have left your sword behind, Regal Guard,” Kelin whispered. “My chamber is always open for private talks, and believe me, my walls don’t have ears.”
            “What’s your participation in recent riots?” Regal Guard demanded in low-tone.
            “Why do you think I’ll be involved in such activities?”
            “Because,” Regal Guard almost yelled, then again whispered, “It’s your only motive. To disturb the harmony of the capital and harass King Arsan.”
            “He is my brother.” Kelin grinded his teeth. “And Meral is my kingdom too. Your accusation isn’t enough to prove me guilty.”
            The unpolished wall pierced his back as Regal Guard pushed him. “Don’t play with lies, Kelin. I have known you from the day you first wielded your sword. I can see the flicker of greed in your eyes. Hope your desire for power won’t turn you into a monster. Stop yourself before it’s too late or...”
            “Or what?” Kelin sneered.
            “I am afraid, our swords will clash for safety of His Highness. I don’t want that day to come.”
            “And for the welfare of the kingdom if I needed to destroy him, I won’t hesitate to do it.” Kelin expected blows from the Regal Guard, luckily, none struck.
            “If that’s your decision, Kelin, then you’ll find me as your hindrance. King Arsan is not alone. There are men in Isolgoth who still honour their oaths, who’ll die for their king.”
            “Then I am afraid to say,” Kelin spoke after considering Regal Guard’s loyalty, “you’ll be first to suffer.”