Chapter 2 - Missing

Raiguarde was an unusually composed man, he always eradiated calm and never looked under pressure or nervous of any situation. He was a young swordsman and served in the battle of Gorhenge, merely seventeen at the time, now by the age of twenty-five, he was the youngest ever captain of the Legia army. He went through the events of the day in his head. He had awoke that morning preparing the guards for the visit of the wizard Schard the following day. As he stretched awake from his immensely comfortable bed he walked into the bathroom and splashed some water on his face to wake him up properly. It was then he saw his face, reflected in the small pool of water he was using to give himself a quick wash. His long golden blond hair, his well built muscles and he for a small second made eye contact with himself and his baby blue eyes looked back at him. He still looked like the innocent seventeen year old that had developed a taste for blood in the most influential battle in recent history. If however, anyone thought that Raiguarde was innocent would be gravely mistaken. It was then, once he had got ready that the news was broken to him, King Gyraicus was missing. The castle was searched several times to make sure this was no false alarm, nothing like this had ever happened before. Raiguarde then went to the wizard Schard’s house, the legendary tree converted to a house, he was not there to admire its architecture, it occurred to him that the king may have gone there instead of waiting for his visit the next day. However Raiguarde was incorrect and the king was not to be found, neither was Schard. The fifteen horsemen he had taken with him had scouted on and found that Schard had gone into Minorell market, a five minute ride from here. Raiguarde rode into the market, which was unusually bereft of people. Raiguarde then saw four men attacking one man, who was on the floor, Raiguarde instantly shot one of them and the man got up, it was Schard the wizard. Raiguarde then filled Schard in on the situation in hand and he and Schard, riding atop one of the horses of the men who had earlier tried, and almost succeeded in killing him. Raiguarde and the wizard Schard rode on to Legia castle. Legia castle was a monument to savour, it looked simply amazing when the sun hit it first thing. The castle was colossal in size with four turrets and large balconies adorning every window. The castle guards watched as Raiguarde, Schard and the fifteen horsemen approach and lowered the drawbridge when appropriate. Schard and Raiguarde rode into the stables and dismounted, a few servants took care of the horses. The two entered the castle and sat down at a table to discuss the matter at hand. “Why did we come back here?” asked Schard, a question he had thought of an age ago, but only now asked it. “For this is the best place to find out any news” replied Raiguarde, he was right, The castle was in the middle of the land and any messenger would not have trouble finding it. Schard went to say something else, stopped and chose his words carefully then spoke “what if the king hath been kidnapped?” he asked.
“Hmm” said Raiguarde “then we could be deeply concerned, for tis someone who can capture the most heavily guarded man in Legia without alerting anyone” Schard nodded indicating that he understood his point was unlikely to say the least. Schard paused again and turned around “Where- ” he then changed the structure of his sentence mid way through it “Raiguarde I hope you don‘t mind me asking, but where is the prince?”
“out” answered Raiguarde, and instantly they both stood up. Raiguarde noticed Schard’s pupil’s dilate and Schard noticed the same thing in Raiguarde. They then headed back toward the stable to remount their horses.

Valandt, the kings adopted son stood deep in the middle of Topaz forest. He had found himself confronted by three attackers two in front of him, one to the right the other to the left, and one behind him. He stood on his toes, alert and ready to pounce on any that moved too suddenly for his liking. Valandt had a short tempter and loved fights like this, however it soon got out of hand and he had broken bones against greater odds than this. Valandt simply put was loved by few, hated by many, respected by all. He was keen to turn around and see what the enemy behind him was doing. He hated not knowing like this and this made him even more alert. It was hard to conceive that the small boy Gyraicus found in tears those years ago was Valandt, he had grown extremely broad and strong his auburn hair was more deep red some days, dark brown others. Valandt’s intense brown eyes were enough alone to strike fear into any opponent, some believed that his eyes contained a raging fire that once was unleashed would never stop until all he surveyed was under his control, all that which wasn’t would die. The people of Legia were not anticipating with glee Valandt’s reign just yet, but he was only nineteen and still young, not yet a man. Valandt trained his eyes on the attacker to the left of him, he was tired of waiting and was going to unleash his onslaught on all three. He put his hands together and breathed deeply, he had no sword to hand but he did not need any. Valandt smiled slightly at his foe, which caught him off guard, he then launched at him, high kicking him viciously in the throat, causing him to fall to the ground. The man nearest too him threw a punch at him, but Valandt easily blocked it with his right arm and then wrenched his arm around the back , almost pulling it out of its socket. The third man then attempted a three kick attack at him , the kicks were lightning fast but Valandt avoided them casually, still wrenching the arm of the second man. The third man then tried to punch him, but he blocked it copycat like with his left arm and wrenching his back. Valandt then slammed the two attackers into each other causing them to fall to the ground. Valandt was a little sad that it was all too easy, he then found himself in a bear hug. The first assailant had regained some of his consciousness and was attempting to squeeze the life out of him. Valandt jumped high into the air and broke free of the mans grasp and in one swift move spun around and kicked the man in his chest hard, then another severe kick to his face. Valandt landed on his feet and dusted himself off, to the sound of applause. Kandon, his trainer stepped out from behind a tree “well done, you‘ve come a long way” Valandt kept his cool stare into nothing. The three attackers then rose to their feet slowly and Kandon told them to rest up “they were my three best, well apart from you” he said to Valandt when they had gone. Valandt continued his silence and walked toward the training temple, smiling slightly but making sure Kandon would not see it. Valandt was supposed to change after each training session, but he had hardly broke a sweat and decided against it. He splashed some cool water against his face and made his way toward the front entrance of the temple, as he did he saw the three hopeless souls he had given a beating too earlier, he chuckled to himself and silently pitied them. The six swordsmen assigned to protect him came by with his horse, there were also two horsemen in tow. Valandt felt so inadequate, he was probably the best fighter in the land and still he had to have guards, Valandt longed for the fight, he loved being in battle and the thrill of victory, which he had experienced many times, each feeling of joy slightly different. The battalion began to ride in the direction of the castle. Valandt stretched in his saddle `some workout` he thought, `no matter, I will find some whores in town and I will have a proper workout` Valandt thought of a sufficient time period in which to satisfy his desires `I will have them for three days` he eventually decided on. He smiled at this thought and began to think of some of the things he would have done to him, which made him smile wider. Something in the distance then broke his concentration, two horsemen, galloping at great speed, heading toward them and there were about five horsemen a distance behind them. Valandt nodded to his two horsemen and they hurtled to meet up with the oncoming horsemen. As they rode closer and closer Valandt recognized them, it was Raiguarde the army captain and Schard, his fathers personal wizard. If these two were meeting up with him, the matter was of great urgency. Valandt sped forward, forcing the swords man right next to him to choke on the dust cloud gathered by the velocity of his steed. He very soon joined up with Schard and Raiguarde and was quick to ask his questions. “What is wrong?” he asked, knowing that this could not be good news. Schard and Raiguarde looked at each other and it took another prompt from Valandt for either of them to speak “Well?” said Valandt, becoming impatient.
“It is your father” Raiguarde was the one who spoke eventually “he is missing”. Valandt looked confused `no-one could have got into the castle and away with father without anyone seeing them, no-one` he thought to himself. “What are we going to do?” asked Valandt, ready for action.
“There is a banquet being held by Astral tonight, Raiguarde was meant to attend, but I think it would help if you went to see her” Schard said to Valandt. Valandt sighed deeply, he had never met the elf queen before and he was very reluctant to do so. “Why do I need to go?” he eventually said to Schard. “Because, Astral knows many things others do not, she can possibly find Gyraicus, and she would see that this means a lot if you see her personally” Schard had a point. Valandt sighed again.
“Tell the messengers to send a statement to the people of the city of Palestar that the Prince of Legia will see them tonight, now if you’ll excuse me, I must return to the castle to prepare myself for the banquet”. Valandt then began to speed off into the distance, heading for Legia castle. Schard and Raiguarde then began the ride back themselves. “Do you think Astral knows where Gyraicus is?”
Schard said to Raiguarde, who had known Astral since they were children. “It is my firm belief Schard, that if she cannot find him, he will be gone forever”.

The sky was getting cloudy, Astral, queen of the elves stared at the darkening sky with deep concern. She had felt the king disappear, she did not know where or why however. She sighed deeply, she was worried, something felt wrong, very wrong. A voice in the distance broke her fixation on the sky “Do not be afraid” the voice called to her. She jumped and felt her heart thud heavily inside her rib cage. She tried to look at the figure in the distance but she could not make it out, a flashing light then forced her to her knees, somewhat against her will. Something was glowing in the distance, she could not make it out but she knew what it was, she felt the presence of Paix, the goddess of peace. Her heart was beating even faster now “be calm” said a soothing voice coming from her head and she attempted to relax. “Why have you come to see me o goddess of peace?” she called to the light in the distance.
“This land is in grave danger” came the voice again “The prophecy of Goreorth is upon us” Goreorth was the god of war. Legends long ago claimed that he wreaked havoc upon many nations and he could not be beaten, so the disciples of Paix summoned all their strength and sealed him beneath the earth. The prophecy also told that the vanishing of a king would begin the world for his return. “Do not be afraid of Goreorth child, I will guide you” came the voice, seconds before vanishing. Astral breathed heavily and tried to calm herself. She stood up and walked from the balcony into her room. She put her mind on hold for a second and calmed herself, she looked into a mirror and attempted to straighten herself out , just to give her mind something else to do. Her light blue hair shone reflected beautifully in the mirror, her baby blue eyes looked back at her. Her skin was a slightly pale shade of white, she had an air of holiness and was often compared to an angel. There was a slight knock at the door “com” her voice was not as calm as the rest of her was becoming, she paused and then started again “come in”. It was Orhen, her chief messinger to the people and he looked after all trivial affairs that Astral had to attend too, he bowed in her presence then spoke “I heard you talking” he started “who was here?” he said looking around. If there was one person she could confess what had just happened to, it was Orhen, but she was not too sure about it herself, so she decided against it for now. “Oh I merely awoke from a dream, my apologies if I worried you” she told him.
“No need for apologies, I also come bearing news, Valandt, the prince of Legia has sent a message saying he will be attending tonight's banquet”. She nodded acknowledging what she had just been told. “When can we expect you coming down?” he asked her. “I will be down to greet the prince” she said “please let me know the moment he is here”.
“As you wish queen Astral” he bowed and then left the room. Astral then slowly strode back to the balcony where she had her vision of Paix. She gazed across the landscape and then to the sky. The voice returned to her head, briefly “be weary of the one called Izumo” it said, then it was gone.

Valandt wasn’t particularly looking forward to the banquet. He would much rather be out with his sword trying to find his father. `It would send the right message to the people, that he cannot be messed about` he thought to himself as he sat in the back of the carriage, speeding toward Palestar castle. Valandt sat deep in thought, alone in the carriage as a sign that he meant no harm to Palestar by not bringing a hoard of guards. Valandt peered out of the window, it was getting dark. This was a bad sign as this signified that Gyraicus did not merely go out quickly, forgetting to tell anyone. `If he meant to be this long` Valandt thought `he would have at least told me`. Valandt cracked his knuckles, the waiting was killing him, he was more of a warrior than a politician and did not like to be attending a social function when he could personally be out looking for his father. The carriage sped on and now Palestar castle could be seen in the distance. The sky that night was stunning, Valandt fleetingly glanced at it and silently wished he had the time to fully appreciate it. He sat back in the carriage, the seat had been comfortable when he initially sat in it, but now he had been in it for almost an hour, and he was becoming immensely uncomfortable. Thoughts of his father flashed through his mind, `who would do such a thing?` Valandt asked himself `the people love him` he could not work it out. Valandt mind then started to wander, he had found even more reason to be upset when he found out that he would miss training every day until his father was found. It was now more than ever that he needed the thrill of battle and something, or someone to take his frustration out on. The carriage slowed and Valandt was quick to react, leaping from his seat and looking out the window. He could see that they had reached the castle and the carriage was slowing to allow the drawbridge to be lowered. He sighed nervously, apart from being unhappy that he was here instead of looking for his missing father, he was also uneducated on how to behave on such occasions and this made him nervous. The bridge was lowered and the carriage drove through, it then came to a halt to allow Valandt to make his way inside the castle. Valandt was wearing a dashing red velvet waistcoat and silk white shirt, his trousers were a reddish shade of brown, or a brownish shade of red, he couldn’t decide. He stepped inside the castle warily, his movements sudden and awkward, not sure how to act he looked around for somewhere where he could get a drink, and he needed it. His path, however was blocked by a tall man. The man was well built and there was no doubt in Valandt’s mind that his eyes were trained on him. The man smiled and bowed in front of Valandt “my name is Orhen, its is a pleasure to meet you prince Valandt” he said.
“Indeed, the pleasure is all mine” he said, trying his best to be polite “where is queen Astral?” he asked.
“She will be down very shortly, she has been anticipating your arrival” he said.
“As will I” said Valandt, just before he walked off, proud of his efforts. Valandt walked on and found someone carrying a tray of drinks. The mood Valandt was in, he would have gladly taken all the tray of his hands and downed all the drink and not bat an eyelid, but he politely took one glass and sipped at it. Valandt felt something tap his shoulder, which caused him to jerk, spilling a drop of the drink on the most likely expensive carpet, as he turned he trod on it, praying no-one had seen his clumsiness. “This is queen Astral” said Orhen and as he motioned his arm, pointing toward the stairs Valandt saw the most beautiful thing he had ever seen walk down the stairs. His eyes widened, his pupils transfixed on this amazing woman he saw walking toward him. Valandt looked her all over, her hair was a beautiful shade of blue and her eyes he felt he could get lost in. Her skin was immaculate and Valandt was sure that this was no mere woman approaching him, but an angel. Astral walked up to Valandt and greeted him “it is nice to see you prince Valandt”. His concentration lapsed as he was too busy trying not to stare at her blue outfit which was tight on her incredible body, superbly proportioned. “Stunning...” he eventually blurted out and he saw her smile, this gave him back his concentration. He tried to make up for it “... castle you‘ve got here, it is very beautiful” he silently breathed a sigh of relief and saw her smile again, which made him go weak. “Why thank you, I‘m glad you like it” she said to him “my apologies for this as I believe we have something you need to discuss with me, I have to see my other guests, first but I shall return and give you my full attention” Astral said apologetically. He took her hand and kissed it, she blushed. “I shall see you later” he said as she walked away, and as she went, the intense feeling he got in his stomach went with her. Valandt stood there for a second, just watching her walk away, sighing to himself then he shook his head and came back to reality. Valandt tried, but failed to mix in with the guests, through no fault of his own, the crowd were hardly going to let the prince of the land become just a face in the crowd. The more the evening went on, the better Valandt was becoming at greeting the people. He went over to one of the servants for his seventh drink and didn’t have to turn around before someone was talking to him about any matter, however inane. He heeded all the words that were told him, however and uncharacteristically was polite to everyone, but he new he could not do it for long, and wondered where his father found the strength to do it. Valandt glanced around, one of the servants was approaching him and he started to approach him, wondering if there was any news about Astral’s whereabouts. “Queen Astral would like to see you downstairs” said the servant, and it couldn't have come too soon for Valandt, who was beginning to worry that he had made a bad impression on her and she was avoiding him on purpose. Valandt nodded and let the servant guide him, he walked down towards some steps, and descended down them. Under normal circumstances Valandt would never have done this, his policy was that if they wanted to see him, they could come to him, however he wanted to find out his father’s whereabouts and according to Raiguarde, she was the only person who was likely to find him. It was that for that reason alone that he so blatantly walked into a trap. As he was coming to the end of the steps he saw the room he was walking into, it was wide and very dark, there were shadows covering up the right and left hand side of the wall. Valandt finished the steps and in the distance he saw a familiar figure, it was Orhen, and he was tied up. Valandt then felt a sharp kick to the back of him, causing him to hit the stone floor hard, this hurt immensely but he got up like he hadn’t felt it and picked up the man who had kicked him and then slammed his body to the same stone floor, causing him to moan in agony. Two men then came out of the shadows and Valandt moved a few paces forward so that he was no longer directly in the middle of them and he could see them both coming. He launched his big boot at the one to the right of him, hitting him intensely and causing him to collapse, clutching his throat. The second then punched him hard in the face, something he had not been expecting and he once again fell to the ground causing his back to throb with pain once again. Valandt from the floor, reached around and sweeping kicked the man to the floor he then kept spinning and used the momentum of that to slowly get to his feet again. He then jumped on the floored assailant, and head butted him fiercely, knocking him out. Valandt was now bleeding which was soon made worse when he suddenly felt a boot hit him hard in his bleeding forehead. He fell back, and all of his body wanted him to scream in pain, but he didn’t want to give them the satisfaction of hearing him in anguish. He cleared his mind off all pain and walked back to steps to focus his attacking energy. Valandt bowed his head and stared at the ground intensely, he was waiting until the moment was right. The attacker from the shadows ran at him and Valandt without opening his eyes took the brunt of his running attack and put his arms around him, he then lifted the man high into the air and slammed him hard to the stone floor, hearing bone snap as he did. Valandt then turned his attention to Orhen, he went to start untying him but a voice called for him to stop “I wouldn’t do that if I were you” the voice came from the shadows behind him. Valandt readied himself for battle.
“Come out from the shadows coward” he called to his hidden foe. The man stepped into partial light, Valandt could not make out his face but there was one thing he could make out, he had Astral gagged and in his arms, with a crossbow pointed into her beautiful face. “Unless you want the girl to die, you will surrender” Valandt sucked in his chest.
“I surrender” he called to the man, who he saw smile. Valandt saw two shadows briefly before they both hit him intense with some sort of weapon, and as he fell to the floor, falling unconscious he smiled `at last` he thought `someone to take my frustration out of` and he then fell into darkness.