The Great War Prologue (1): Sneak
What do you see when they think no one is watching?
Samuel stares at his father from one of the many doorways that lead from the throne room into the deep, twisting interior of the castle he lives in, holding his breath as if his father would hear him if he dared to do anything that makes even the slightest noise.
His father sits on his throne, appearing as grand as ever. His face is set in a stern scowl, dressed head to toe in shades of dark purple, the classic colors of a Storm wizard. Well, usually they’re much more vibrant colors than what he currently wears, like his cape, which is a beautiful bright violet with a golden trim.
Samuel himself has shirts and shorts in every shade, he can hardly pick which color to wear any given cycle. He doesn’t understand why his father is so dark.
Standing next to the throne is his father’s bodyguard, Killian, who is also the royal executor. How does he know this? Well, Samuel may have listened to more conversations than he probably should have. Killian wears black robes under silver armor, and always brandishes a scythe with a shaft as tall as he is, and the curved silver blade is carved with all sorts of stunning runes.
It’s quiet in the throne room. Too quiet, even. Nothing has happened for quite some time, to the point where Samuel’s lungs slowly begin to burn. Still, his body remains tense, waiting patiently. Something will happen, he knows it.
“Killian?”
“Yes, Cero?” Killian replies calmly. The only time he uses Samuel’s father’s name is when they believe no being is around to hear.
“So I heard you just had a second son,” his father comments.
Surprised, Samuel lets his breath go and sucks another back in as fast as he possibly can. Killian has a second son now? This is new. He didn’t realize his father’s bodyguard was going to have a second kid in the slightest.
“You heard correctly,” Killian replies stiffly.
“Devin is still preparing for his future with Samuel, I presume?”
“Indeed.”
“So, what’s your second’s name?”
“Ferris.”
Samuel’s father smiles. It’s a kind smile, small and rare. Something inside Samuel flutters watching his father’s face soften. A flutter, and a small pit of anger.
“I intend for him to be the next Captain of the royal guard,” Killian continues. “That will leave Devin room to focus on Samuel.”
His father nods quietly, the smile disappearing the instant Samuel’s name is spoken.
“Wonderful,” the king mutters aloud, his tone as flat as his frown.
“Have you even seen your son recently, Cero?”
His father licks his lips. “Why ask?”
“I simply worry for the boy.”
“Samuel has a strong will.”
“Samuel also needs a father.”
His father sits a little straighter in his throne, his stare becoming sharp as he turns to look Killian in the eyes.
“You do not know what my son needs,” he states. Killian stares back with a blank gaze, clearly wanting the conversation to end. The king turns away from his bodyguard and readjusts his sitting position. “Concern yourself with your own family, Killian, and I will worry about mine.”
Samuel takes another quick breath and backs into the hallway, hiding in the safety of the shadows once more. His body can finally relax, allowing his shoulders to sag and his chest to ache. He puts one hand over his heart and closes his eyes for a spell, unsure what to make of the adult’s conversation. He feels nothing, a hollow emptiness.
Just then, footsteps fill the hallway, cushioned yet still sharp all the same. Samuel looks up to see who it may be.
“Devin,” he breathes with a slight grin upon seeing his friend. Devin’s face is cast in shadows, but his lips do curve upwards ever so slightly at the sound of Samuel’s voice. He is also dressed in black - the main color of a Death wizard, of course - trimmed with glittering silver thread. Long sleeves and pants cover his arms and legs, and a simple hood hides his short hair and onyx eyes. For now, a sword hangs from a simple brown belt. But when he turns 14, he’ll receive his beginner’s scythe. That’s only two years away now.
“Heard anything interesting?” Devin asks quietly as he nears.
Samuel just shrugs, his attention once again turning to the void in his chest. “They were talking about your brother.” He quickly switches to disappointment. “You didn’t tell me you were going to have a sibling!”
“Father didn’t want to make Ferris a big deal,” Devin replies flatly.
“You’re lucky to have a younger sibling,” Samuel says, putting in the effort to give his friend an encouraging smile. Yes, it must be very nice to have a younger sibling.
“I… don’t know about that,” Devin mumbles. He lets out a long sigh and shakes his head. “He’s with mother now, if you’d like to come meet him for a spell.”
“Maybe some other time. Father will want me studying soon.”
“Ah, yes. The teacher is setting up now.”
Samuel lets out a small sigh. He thought he still had a little more time before studying began.
“With Ferris around now, I’ll simply be your personal guard and advisor,” Devin tells him. “That’s what father told me, anyways. I’m just doing my job.”
“I know…” Samuel mumbles.
Devin musters a second smile, a little wider this time. “We can still hang out when you’re done, Sam.”
Samuel smiles back at his friend. “Thanks, Dev.”
“Would you like an escort to your study room?”
“Only if you wish to accompany me.”