New inspiration

Note: I think I can go somewhere with this one.

*********************************************

The court was abuzz with the latest palace gossip, a light hearted counterpart to the dark murmurs which carried the latest news from the front. The war was going badly and everyone knew it. Even so, some confidence, fueled by the brilliant sunlight shining through the massive crystal windows, burned on, for the King was in good spirits, albeit bad health, and his heirs were both popular and gifted. Of course all that pressure didn’t sit so well with the younger of those two boys as he tended to worry a lot.

“I’m telling you Ivan, charging out recklessly into the front lines will not help us at all. I know you think you’re invincible, but I’ve run the calculations, and you have just under a 2% chance of survival, let alone victory.”

Davin Truesight strode along side his older brother, his impassioned speech falling on mute ears, or so it seemed. It was a common misconception that Ivan, dressed in a gleaming mail shirt and dashing purple cloak, was the impulsive and reckless one of the two, although he was older. Davin knew better. Even so, Ivan Swiftblade had been given his name for a very specific reason. He loved to fight for perceived justice.

The older of the two siblings sighed as he continued walking. “I’ve told you before little brother, I know that between us; you maybe the wiser and more calculative of the two, but morale is falling on the front! That’s why we’re losing. You can’t say that my appearance will not aid the effort. If my life will boost the spirits of our army even a fraction, it may mean the difference between victory and defeat.”

Davin shook his head in frustration and let out a vexed groan. Covering his eyes he muttered in a very audible voice. “I can’t believe I survived without parents for 12 years with you as my older brother.”

Well used to the jest, Ivan just shrugged and smiled. “It helped that my brother was the brightest student in school.” He said nonchalantly.

“You’re damn right!” agreed Davin, adjusting his dark blue cloak around his shoulders with a slight huff in an effort to hide his smile.

Soon the pair approached their destination, the throne room, with its surprisingly full galleries of nobles and VIPs who were sitting in their usual factions. To the brothers, it seemed quieter then usual, although there were less empty seats then expected on a beautiful day like this day. It seemed that the noised dropped even more as the herald called out their names with well practiced bellow.

“Ivan Swiftblade, Duke of Rhoar, Heir to the throne, Commander of the Raven Guard and his brother, Davin Truesight, Nephew to the King, Chief Magi of Phel, request audience with his Majesty, King Davidos!

“Hail King Davidos!” declared all the people in the room.

At the end of the room, sitting on his polished wooden throne, King Davidos looked over from his conversation and smiled at the two young men, whose presence always brought light to his eyes. “Come!” He called, beckoning with one hand.

In unison the brothers marched down the hall, resplendent in their respective uniforms. As a young magi, Davin had forgone the traditional pointed hat, more for fashion reasons then any other, and left his hair short, using one of his special potions to keep it nice and spiky. His brother, even ready for battle, walked with his winged helmet under an arm, double edged sword firmly belted at his left side.

As Davidos watched the pair approached, he smiled sadly, seeing his own brother in every step that they took. It had been the greatest of tragedies that had taken his younger brother Kelvin along with his young wife Dana almost 12 years ago. However God’s hand had been at work and the heirless king now had two sons to call his own. Even so, it was a bittersweet bond for them all.

Ivan and Davin knelt into identical bows as the approached the dais

“Your Majesty” they said in unison.

“Rise my sons, and be at ease,” replied the King before continuing, a saddened look spreading on his face. “Or perhaps not at ease rather. I have brought you here to give you dire news, and to speak of a plan that has been decided upon.”

The brothers exchanged glances; they had heard the latest reports from the war. However word of any decision TO be reached had not been noted. Surely they, with their respective positions, would have been the first to know of a potential plan.

The King cleared his throat, and continued.

“You may have heard that we fight a retreating battle against the forces rallied against us. I fear that morale is weak, but also we face a force of greater numbers, and indeed capability. Indeed, as we are now, we had no hope of attacking and a slim chance of standing our ground.”

A gasp rippled through the court, albeit a quiet one, for many had known the gravity of their situation. The brothers exchanged another glance. The King had never spoken so openly at their helplessness.

“We need help my sons, or else all of Phel is doomed.”

Conversation begin to bubble around the court, and soon everyone was talking for the king was considering an alliance.

Davin stepped forward. “Your Majesty, as one of your chief advisors, I recommend strongly against this action. Phel has never had to make an alliance with any other kingdom. For all know that many untrustworthy nations live around us, constantly engaged in violence and war amongst themselves. They turn sides at the drop of a hat; that is why we have always been as we are.”

Ivan also stepped forward, “I agree with my brother, surely the situation is not so dire. There are many strategies that had not tried. Let me lead the Ravens to the war front, and lift the spirits of our army!”

Davin hissed softly and elbowed his brother in the side. Forgetting that his brother’s mail shirt was quite stiff, he succeeded only in bruising his arm and making a light sound. With a stronger hiss, he swore under his breath. Ivan just smiled.

The court had grown quiet again at Ivan’s words and the King could see several young nobles nodding in agreement with the young warrior’s counsel.

The King shook his head with a rueful thought, wondering if he had truly been that proud and confident when he had just reached adulthood. Indeed, he had expected better from both his sons, but nevertheless, with or without their initial consent, there was only one path to take.

“I’m afraid, there will be no discussion nor disagreement with this plan. We decided.”

For the third time in a minute, the brothers exchanged a glance at the King’s use of the royal plural. Davin cocked his head, and Ivan raised an eyebrow. However when his brother’s eyes narrowed, the older of the two sighed in defeat.

“If that is the case your Majesty, do you perhaps have an ally in mind?” He asked, hoping for more information to satisfy his brother’s ever calculative mind.

“Indeed my sons,” replied the King, looking meaningfully at Davin, “however, there is time for that later. For the moment let us make preparations for your departure.”

Both brothers were politically minded enough to know that the King wished to continue the conversation in private, and indeed both recognized a dismissal when they saw it. In perfect harmony, they turned and began to walk towards the door, accompanied by the flood of conversation being stirred in the galleries.

Suddenly, Ivan turned and bowed before the throne.

“My King!” he began, walking quickly back to the foot of the dais, “I have a boon to ask!”

Davidos smiled slightly at the confused look on Davin’s face, even as he nodded his consent to his heir.

“Let me take this quest alone, leaving Davin behind. Should I fall, or even should I not, he is by far the more suited of us to take the throne. During this trying time, you will need his advice more then ever before.”

The King’s laugh echoed throughout the Hall, surprising a good many of the younger and more serious nobles. After all, this was a serious matter, one that could decide the succession of this Kingdom.

“Dear Davin,” chuckled the King as eyes turned to the younger of the brothers, “you should see the look on your face. It reminds me of the time when I too asked that my younger brother be left behind while I went out questing. “

With a great deal of effort and will, Davin drew his features into a semblance of decorum, hiding the dozens of emotions which floated around his face, even as embarrassment was added to the mix.

Facing Ivan, the King continued. “Your request is noted, and well meant at heart. However this will be a most trying ordeal, one that will require every ounce of your courage and even bit of your brother’s guile. Without each other, you will surely fail; as corny as that sounds.” The King chuckled once more. “No Ivan, you were both born to do this together.”

As the two walked down the hallway Davin glanced at his brother “That was awfully condescending and pompous of you.” He whispered spitefully.

Ivan’s response measured. “You know as well as I do that you would make a much better King then I would little brother, so it makes sense to leave you behind. We can’t have you dying now can we?”

“Bite me.”

***