The Dream Warrior

By Edwin J. Stokirmas

   Noah Ware always believed that he was destined for greatness someday. What exactly it was that he was meant to be, he wasn't sure. When setbacks and failures begin to mount, Noah loses sight of his childhood aspirations and a life of mediocrity starts to take shape until Noah has a chance encounter with a fortune teller. Her ominous message troubles him and Noah begins to experience strange dreams in the weeks following their meeting.

   After he is inexplicably thrust into another world filled with magic and swordplay, Noah's mundane life is turned upside down. Mistaken for Armedious, the legendary warrior who has been accused of heinous crimes against the Kingdom of Callendor, Noah is forced to flee for his life. His journey becomes one filled with danger, sacrifice and self-discovery as he struggles to survive long enough to understand what is happening to him and why Callendor's fate lies in his hands.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Edwin J. Stokirmas
• Release date: Jun 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223925668

Edwin J. Stokirmas

Edwin J. Stokirmas continues to use his writing as a therapeutic means to help him deal with the demons within. He writes when time allows as he works at his regular job by day and lives in Canada.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The battle raged on around him as combatants from both sides of the warring kingdoms fought bitterly to the death. The Plains of Valhar had been witness to the fighting for two days and dead bodies littered the scrub grass and blood stained the ground black. The cool autumn air was filled with the clatter of metal striking metal and the screams of the wounded and dying. Smoke shrouded most of the plains making it impossible to know who an ally or enemy was until it was too late. Fear coursed through the veins of the warriors from the two enemy armies as they battled on knowing that their next breath could be their last.

He stopped for a moment to take in all the madness around him and laughed. This was where he was meant to be. He was Armedious, after all. Armedious, the Invincible. Armedious, the Chosen One. Armedious, the Army of One. The people of Callendor had been singing his praises since the day he was born when the Creators had blessed him with invincibility. No weapon or magic could harm him. No enemy could stand against him. His legend had spread far and wide as Armedious and the Crimson Legion that he commanded spread fear into the hearts of those who dared to oppose them and the kingdom of Callendor.

There were a select few like the neighboring Madrosian Empire who threw caution to the wind and dared to challenge Callendor. Prince Armedious wasn't even sure what patch of land that the two kingdoms were fighting over. Politics bored him. He had no desire to listen to pompous windbags sitting around a table negotiating terms and laws. He was a man of action and did his talking with his sword and might and made no apologies for who he was on the battlefield. Armedious had a gift that gave him a distinct advantage against anyone who stood in his way. He never asked for the powers bestowed upon him by the Creators, but Armedious wasn't about to ignore his abilities and let them lie dormant. Chosen to be something more than those around him, it was his duty to put his gifts to good use. It would be like an artist refusing to create a beautiful masterpiece using the talent that he possessed. Armedious was born to fight and the field of battle was where he was meant to be.

The Crimson Legion had sat patiently high up on a ridge moments earlier watching the battle take place below them. Field General Egan kept Armedious and his men out of the fighting for now and held them in reserve for when he felt it was necessary. He wanted them positioned where the Madrosian army was aware of their presence, but to also use them to flank the enemy forces when the time was right. The Madrosians had attacked at dawn after the Calledorian army had held them at bay yesterday. The battle had raged on into mid-morning when the Madrosians broke through the front line of the Calledorians.

Once the weak spot had been detected and breached, the Madrosian army in their blue and white colors surged forward. They were greeted with a wave of deadly green fire courtesy of Faust, Callendor's sorcerer supreme. Standing by himself on another ridge opposite the Crimson Legion, the sorcerer sent forth the fire from his fingertips that burned through the forefront of the Madrosian attack. When their numbers were reinforced, the Madrosians charged forward again with their metal shields held high forcing Faust to unleash another burst of the green fire that momentarily halted the attack. It was when another opening developed further down in the Calledorian front line that Armedious had seen enough.

Soldiers of the Crimson Legion...prepare for battle!

General Egan hasn't given the command yet, Armedious! Rowan pointed out. He was next in command and mortal like the rest of the men sitting on the ridge.

Be damned with his command. I've sat around long enough. Crimson Legion...attack! Armedious roared as he sent his horse over the ridge. A thousand men strong, the Crimson Legion followed their leader and descended towards the fighting on their battle steeds. The morning sun gleamed off the armor of the cavalry unit and the ground thundered beneath the horse's hooves down the steep hill. Pikes had been set up and archers were stationed at the base of the ridge awaiting the inevitable attack of the Crimson Legion. Now, as they approached, the Madrosian archers unleashed volley after volley of arrows into the midst of the charging enemy hoping to cut down the attack of the horsemen before it started. First and foremost in the Crimson Legion's ranks was Armedious. Arrows deflected harmlessly away from him and before the archers knew it, he was crashing into their midst. When his stallion went down, Armedious jumped to the ground with his fabled Dragon Fang sword in hand and began slicing his way through the enemy soldiers.

Their attack disrupted; the archers did their best to flee from the immortal Armedious. They knew of his legend and realized that they were no match in hand-to-hand combat with him. By now, the surviving members of the Crimson Legion had joined their commander, their numbers down over a hundred men after they were cut down by enemy arrows and pikes. Despite this, the Madrosian archers were soon overwhelmed as a few stood their ground, but most had turned to flee. Madrosian foot soldiers now broke off from their attack on the Calledorian front line and turned their attention to the Crimson Legion. Armedious charged into their midst and his men followed him to take on the enemy that was triple their size in number. Another hundred of the Crimson Legion soldiers went down fighting, but despite this, the Madrosians quickly found themselves under siege from all sides.

The ground that they had fought so hard to gain over the past two days was now starting to slip away from the Madrosian warriors. Their main advance stalled; they had few options available. The Calledorian army and the sorcerer with the deadly magic awaited them if they tried to keep moving forward and the Crimson Legion was shredding through them from the side and the rear.

How are you holding up, Rowan? Armedious asked his second in command as they momentarily stood side by side on the battlefield.

No complaints here despite the fact that I've followed a madman into battle again! Rowan's face was streaked with blood that contrasted sharply with the whites of his eyes and teeth.

It was easy to see how the Crimson Legion came by its name in battles like this. Armedious often boasted that the warriors of the Legion had their armor stained red from the blood of their enemies. Today was no exception.

I'm going to end this! Armedious declared. I'm not going to give them the chance to retreat.

The Madrosian king and his advisers will be watching the battle from that hilltop in the distance. Rowan said as he pointed past the enemy army. Impossible to reach from here for an ordinary man.

Lucky for us that I'm no ordinary man. Armedious laughed and set off towards the enemy ranks.

Save some for the rest of us! Rowan responded.

Too late, the Madrosians realized who the lone madman was running towards them. By the time they determined it was the immortal Armedious bearing down on them, they had no choice but to try and stand against him. They knew the tales of his invincibility and his fighting skills, but they had hoped that they would never have the misfortune of encountering him on the battlefield. Now, here he was in their midst. One man against thousands. The Madrosians didn’t stand a chance. In addition to being invulnerable, Armedious was much stronger and faster than any of the combatants on the field of battle. With Dragon Fang in hand, he cut through the opposing Madrosian army and they fell like blades of grass to the ground.

A barrage of arrows and spears were launched against Armedious, but deflected harmlessly away from him once again. The crimson armor that he wore was more for show than function as Armedious joked that he could go into battle naked and not suffer a scratch. When the Madrosians concluded that their weapons were useless against him; they sought to contain him instead. Over two dozen men carrying massive metal shields six feet in height encircled Armedious. Closing in about him, the Madrosians tried to box him in and stop his forward progress. The invincible warrior met them head on and slashed through three of the shields with ease. The Madrosians kept closing in regardless and their combined effort eventually pinned Armedious' arms to his sides and stopped him where he stood.

The enemy soldiers took a moment to celebrate their efforts until they realized the flaw in their plan. Now that they had Armedious pinned, what do they do with him? The second that they let their guard down, he would cut them to ribbons. If they could hold him until reinforcements arrived with chains, perhaps they could contain him. Unfortunately, for the men bearing the shields and those around them, they would never get the opportunity.

Armedious discovered at an early age that not only was he invincible, but he was also capable of creating a shock wave that could scatter any perceived threat like dust in the wind. With a mere thought he could generate an invisible force that could be used to disperse any foes that stood in his way. It was by chance that Armedious discovered this gift while he was on a rite of passage hunting trip. As a ten-year-old, he was sent into the Charnal Mountains by himself to track down a mountain wolf and return to the kingdom within three days with the hide of one of these deadly creatures.

On the second day of the quest the young prince realized to his horror that his intended prey was stalking him. Still young and naive about his burgeoning power, Armedious panicked when six mountain wolves surrounded him. Fear took hold of him as they started to move in on their meal and Armedious screamed. Something inside him was awakened and the wolves were struck down by an invisible force unleashed from deep inside the young prince. When he returned to Callendor the next morning with not just one wolf hide, but six, the legend of the invincible warrior was just beginning to take shape.

One of the elders in the kingdom called the power that Armedious possessed, 'God's Will' and he used it only on those occasions when his other powers weren't enough...like now on the Plains of Valhar. He could have fought his way through the Madrosian shields, but Armedious didn't want to give the enemy ruler time to retreat. With a thought he called upon 'God's Will' and the Madrosian soldiers and their massive shields were sent flying. Many of the opposing soldiers were mortally wounded from the assault and those that survived were in no shape to fight again on this day. Such was the price of war, but Armedious would do what was necessary for victory even if the 'God's Will' gave him a distinct advantage in addition to his strength and invincibility.

Taking a moment to survey the casualties around him, Armedious proceeded forward. Many of the Madrosian soldiers beyond the perimeter of the decimation caused by him had already started to retreat. Those that were foolish enough to stand against Armedious were quickly cut down by Dragon Fang. A horn sounded in the distance signaling a full retreat for the Madrosian soldiers. Pausing for a moment, the invincible warrior let the enemy fighters collect their wounded. He had no desire to pursue them as they fell back; he was more intent on reaching the Madrosian king and ending this once and for all. There were still a few foolhardy souls who chose to challenge him, but Armedious quickly dispatched them and carried on towards the Madrosian encampment.

It was then that a thick fog rolled in. The conditions weren't right for this weather phenomenon and Armedious concluded that it wasn't one of nature's byproducts, but rather a result of magic. He could see a lone figure standing on a small bluff off in the distance. His arms cast wide, the sorcerer wore a dark robe and appeared to be the one responsible for summoning the fog. Armedious wondered why the Madrosians hadn't made use of his magic earlier in the battle. Perhaps it was his presence or that of Faust's that kept the opposing sorcerer out of sight. Armedious concluded that it was more likely that the sorcerer was kept back by the Madrosian king and his advisers for their protection while the soldiers sacrificed themselves in battle.

The fog enveloped the battlefield and all visibility was lost in a wall of white nothingness. Running in the direction where he last saw the sorcerer, Armedious trusted his instincts as he advanced blindly. The sorcerer would no doubt be trying to lead him in the wrong direction, but the warrior could hear the retreating footsteps of the Madrosian soldiers and the clatter of their metal armor and followed the sounds. The enemy soldiers started to come into view as the fog slowly dissipated around him, but Armedious didn't bother with them. Startling the Madrosian soldiers as he raced past them in the gloom, Armedious emerged from the thick blanket of fog to find the sorcerer to his immediate right less than fifty feet away. At the sight of the invincible warrior the sorcerer jumped in surprise as Armedious charged towards him.

With a circling motion of his hands the sorcerer began to cast another spell. Armedious felt the ground beneath his feet shake and seconds later rock slabs burst upward in front of him. More emerged around him and towered over Armedious and encased him. With a thought, he unleashed the 'God's Will' again and the rock slabs exploded into thousands of fragmented pieces. Free again, Armedious rushed towards the sorcerer who was already conjuring a different spell.

The ground beneath the warrior's feet began to turn into a bog-like substance and Armedious started to sink into it. With a casual shrug he broke free of the bog and launched himself twenty feet into the air and projected himself at the Madrosian sorcerer. Failing to anticipate Armedious' strength and speed, the sorcerer reacted too slowly as he attempted to unleash another spell. Dragon Fang lashed out as Armedious landed and severed the sorcerer's head from his body.

The invincible warrior continued forward causing several Madrosian soldiers to break formation and flee at his approach. A twisted smile crossed the face of Armedious as he realized that no one would dare challenge him now after they saw how easily he had dispatched their sorcerer. Only one figure, partially obscured by the remnants of the fog stood between the enemy camp and himself and Armedious was surprised to find that it was an old woman.

Are you lost? he asked her. The field of battle is no place for a woman.

I'm right where I need to be, mighty Armedious.

Are the Madrosians so desperate that they send out old women to do their fighting for them?

I fight for no one, invincible warrior. I have come to deliver you a message.

As Armedious approached the old woman, he saw that she wore a strange multicolored robe over her frail frame.

What message is so important that you would risk your life to deliver it, old woman?

One that directly concerns you. Your time of reckoning is coming, Armedious. Sooner than you realize.

Is that so? He laughed. I fear that you may be touched in the head, woman.

Laugh all you want, prince of Callendor, but your arrogance will be your undoing.

Armedious towered over the old woman and shook his head. I suppose that you will be my undoing? Are you some kind of sorceress or perhaps a witch?

It matters not what I am, she replied, I am not your enemy.

Lucky for you. No weapon or magic on this world can harm me in case you weren't aware.

Oh, I'm well aware of the legendary tales of the mighty Armedious, the Invincible Warrior.

Then why risk your life here and now making threats to me, old woman?

She smiled at Armedious and he noticed that more teeth were missing than present.

No threats here, mighty warrior. Just what must be...a prophecy of sorts.

Enough riddles. Out of my way, I have a battle to finish.

As you wish. It's unfortunate...you were created to be more than you are. You care more for bloodshed than reason.

I care more for victory. Now, out of my way before you become another casualty of war.

He stepped forward to brush the old woman aside, but as he did so, white smoke began to encircle her. Even the mightiest fall, Armedious, despite what you believe of yourself. she said before vanishing from sight.

Not sure what to make of what just took place, Armedious looked around wondering if the old woman would return or not. The last line of defense for the Madrosians watched Armedious standing on the open plain talking to himself. Puzzled looks were exchanged amongst them as they wondered what he was doing and whether they should engage him or not. When he noticed that they were watching him, Armedious marched forward and they raised their weapons towards him. He approached them slowly and steadily and with a wave of his hand he invited the enemy soldiers to attack.

Reluctantly, the Madrosians obliged and fired a barrage of arrows in Armedious' direction that bounced harmlessly off him. Spears were thrown with the same effect as he casually made his way forward. Soldiers armed with swords and shields moved to intercept Armedious, but their efforts proved futile as he shrugged off their blows and tossed aside the enemy with barely any effort exerted. In a matter of minutes over a hundred soldiers lay dead or critically wounded as a result of Dragon Fang cutting through their midst.

The invincible warrior continued forward as the Madrosian camp housing King Phillip and his army commanders came into view. The king's royal guard formed a defensive perimeter around the tents upon Armedious' approach and he admired their courage for choosing to face him despite witnessing what he had just done to get here. When he was within fifty yards of the Madrosian encampment, two large forms emerged from the tents behind the guards and pushed their way past them towards Armedious.

The mountain trolls each stood over eight feet in height and carried large double sided battle axes. They had dark gray pebbled skin and long black hair and despite their menacing appearance, Armedious grinned at the sight of them. It had been years since he had last seen a mountain troll and even longer since he had fought against one. Now, two stood before him and he wondered how far they had travelled to get here. From what he knew of the mountain trolls, they lived in isolation in the northern Charnal Mountains many miles from here. These two must have commanded a handsome fee from King Phillip to come all this way.

I have no quarrel with you two. Armedious said. Let me pass and I'll spare your lives.

The mountain trolls studied him with impassive dark eyes and grunted as they raised their battle axes.

Very well, you were warned.

They attacked Armedious at the same time, but their movements were slow and ponderous, allowing him to easily dodge their strikes. Moving to his right, Armedious sliced into the exposed leg of one of the trolls causing it to howl in pain. The second troll rumbled forward and swung his axe downward and Armedious eluded it with ease as it hammered into the ground to his left. Bringing Dragon Fang about, he struck the handle of the troll's battle axe and shattered it into pieces. The troll fell backwards to the ground and struggled to get back to its feet.

The other troll hobbled about on its good leg hoping to catch Armedious unaware as he clashed with his comrade. His battle axe missed its mark as he swung for his foe's head allowing Armedious to swing around and stab the troll's good leg in the thigh. The large brute crumpled to the ground on his knees and the invincible warrior brought Dragon Fang up to the troll's exposed throat and held it there. Still struggling to get back to his feet, the second troll was on his hands and knees when he realized the predicament his ally was in. Together, the two of them raised their hands to surrender.

Armedious glanced around to make sure that he had everyone's attention. The Madrosian Royal Guard stood at the ready but made no attempt to join the fray. Faces peered out through the tent flaps, one of them being King Phillip's. Satisfied that he was present to witness this, Armedious made his statement. With two quick strokes of Dragon Fang, both mountain trolls were dealt fatal blows and collapsed to the ground in lifeless heaps.

They were surrendering! Someone from the crowd of Madrosians yelled.

Were they? Armedious grinned, his face covered in blood and dust. In all of this excitement, I couldn't be sure.

You murdered them in cold blood!

Ignoring the comment, Armedious turned his attention to the king.

King Phillip! Get your royal arse out here!

There was a murmur of dissent from those gathered in the tent, but after a long moment the king appeared. The Royal Guard moved to position themselves between him and Armedious, but King Phillip ordered them back.

What would you have of me, Prince of Callendor? The king held his head high and showed no hint of fear.

My brother, Kilian is the rightful Prince of Callendor. You may call me Armedious.

As you wish. What would you have of me, Armedious?

Surrender now, King Phillip. Order your army to cease fighting and spare any more bloodshed.

The Madrosian king regarded the man before him in the blood-stained crimson armor. He made no response as he deliberated and Armedious took that as an act of defiance.

If you fail to comply, I will slaughter every man here starting with you. Then, I will march into your kingdom with your head on a pike and single handedly wipe every last trace of the Madrosian Empire from this world. The history books will make no mention of the Madrosians. No one will ever know-

Enough. King Phillip interrupted. General, make it so.

A portly man with a large gray beard and gleaming armor emerged from the tent. It appeared as if he was about to protest when King Phillip looked at him and shook his head. The general shot him a disapproving look and nodded curtly. He marched off with a group of his soldiers and a moment later a bugle sounded as they mounted their stallions and rode off onto the battlefield.

I have your word, Armedious that this will be resolved peacefully and no further harm will come to our soldiers?

That's not for me to decide, your highness. I'll leave the negotiations to the politicians. I have no desire to take part in any of that. I've done my part in this, that's all that I care about.

Another feat to add to the growing legend. King Phillip grumbled to himself.

Armedious didn't quite catch all of what he said, but he knew by the tone of the Madrosian king's voice that it wasn't flattering. Careful, your highness or I will follow through on sticking your head on that pike.

King Phillip did not reply, but his glare said all that he needed to say.

With a mocking grin, Armedious turned to leave. King Phillip studied the faces of the Madrosian soldiers that had been huddled around him during the conversation that he had just had with the Calledorian prince. There had to be five hundred men gathered about the encampment and they watched to see if he was going to signal for them to attack the lone enemy soldier as he walked away. For a moment the king debated giving such an order but decided against it. Despite the odds, he knew that Armedious would emerge victorious. The invincible warrior knew it, as well. Enough Madrosian blood had been shed already, there was no need for anymore.

Armedious strolled back at a leisurely pace through the Madrosian soldiers as they were falling back from the battle now that the fighting was finished. They eyed him with contempt but gave Armedious a wide berth as they skirted past him. He ignored them and slowly made his way back to where the Calledorian army awaited him. A chorus of cheers greeted him when he arrived, followed by chants of Armedious! Armedious! Armedious! and the invincible warrior basked in the glory of his victory.

––––––––

Ten days later, the citizens of Callendor gathered on a warm sunny day in the massive courtyard on the castle grounds, which like the city itself was an architectural marvel to behold. Built into the rocky cliffs bordering the Sarafin Ocean, the city sprawled for miles. From the minds of the kingdom's greatest intellects and architects arose structures designed not only for strength and endurance, but for beauty as well. Times of great prosperity in Callendor had allowed no expense to be spared in creating a city that was incredible to behold and live in.

Massive buildings rose high into the air and looked as though they reached the heavens above. In the center of the city sat the Citadel, the heartbeat of Callendor where religious, economic and municipal life congregated. Temples were constructed here to pay homage to the various gods that the citizens worshipped. Markets and businesses lined the streets exhibiting their products while theaters and brothels were present for entertainment and magnificent gardens exhibiting statues and sculptures were scattered around the citadel.

The kingdom was abundant with natural resources and fertile soil. Silver and gold were plentiful and mined for their value. Vineyards and farms produced wine, fruits, vegetables and grains. Timber was plentiful from the many surrounding forests and fishing from the Sarafin Ocean proved to be another lucrative source of revenue. Being a port city, Callendor profited greatly from the numerous products that it exported.

Aqueducts and reservoirs were constructed as a result of the kingdom’s prosperity giving its citizens running water, public washrooms and thermal baths. The upper class of the kingdom enjoyed fine homes with lavish decorations, furnishings and art. To the north of the Citadel stood the castle, the home of the royal family. It was a massive stone structure complete with a towering keep at its center. Immense walls surrounded the castle grounds and the buildings within. On the south side of the castle sat the courtyard that was used to address the citizens.

Many believed the castle to be impregnable, but in truth, no one knew for sure. Callendor’s military might combined with Armedious’ presence made an imposing deterrent to any attacks by land from enemy forces. Large rocky cliffs lined the coast for miles and treacherous reefs made any attempted attacks by way of the Sarafin Ocean virtually impossible. The only safe passage by sea to the port entrance of Callendor was through the Bay of Erasmus, which was guarded by Ocean Gate. Stretching over a mile long, this structure was built onto the existing rock formation of the bay. Measuring over a hundred feet in height, Ocean Gate took just under twenty years to construct and a large metal gate was the only access point for vessels to enter and leave the bay. Guards patrolled the rampway atop the structure day and night and navy vessels patrolled the waters on either side of the structure. In the forty years of Ocean Gate's existence, it had never been breached and like the castle walls, many believed that it never would be.

Thousands were present on this day in the courtyard to witness an announcement from the royal family. High above the massive crowd, King Marcos and Queen Gwendolyn waved from the balcony. To their left, eldest son Prince Kilian and his betrothed, Princess Marisse stood together and to their right, the king and queen’s youngest son, Prince Uther. Prince Armedious was nowhere to be seen. Flanking the royal family, several guards stood at attention while in the background several dignitaries were present, among them the sorcerer, Faust. He looked out of place as the royal family and advisors looked resplendent in their formal attire while he wore a simple robe.

With the crowd cheering loudly, King Marcos raised a hand to address the crowd. When they settled down, he spoke with the same flourish that he had always captivated any audience with. He had been ruling for over forty years now and had succeeded his father when he was still a young man. King Marcos was wise in his ways and drew on the knowledge of his advisors and council to make Callendor the magnificent kingdom that it had become. He ruled with great strength and passion and the people of the kingdom loved him for the prosperous way of life that they enjoyed under his rule.

Citizens of Callendor, it is a momentous day for our kingdom. Not only are we celebrating victory today with the return of our fine fighting men from battle, but we also have an announcement for a magnificent celebration! Prince Kilian and Princess Marisse of the Damaru Kingdom will wed one month from today!

The crowd erupted once more and the couple stepped forward and waved. Princess Marisse wore a stunning gold gown bejeweled with sapphires and the midday sun danced off her blonde tresses. Her smile was warm and radiating as she waved to the onlookers. Prince Kilian looked regal in his royal attire, but his grim expression didn't match his future bride's and one might have thought that he was preparing for battle. He waited for the cheering to subside and addressed the crowd.

Thank you, citizens of Callendor. As my father said, a royal wedding for Princess Marisse and myself will take place in one month's time here so that you can all bear witness to the ceremony.

The crowd began to cheer again and Princess Marisse acknowledged the applause with a dazzling smile and waved. Prince Kilian kept the same stoic expression and smiled only briefly when Queen Gwendolyn prompted him to do so. Even then, it was forced and he seemed more interested in silencing the crowd. After several attempts from the prince, the crowd finally complied.

Our wedding will bond our growing relationship with the Damaru Kingdom and-

The crowd started to murmur with excitement, interrupting Kilian's speech. All heads were turned to the west entrance of the courtyard and Kilian strained to see what they were looking at. The crowd began to part to make way for something and the people gathered began to cheer wildly when a horse with two riders appeared. Kilian knew immediately who it was and shook his head in disgust.

Armedious! Armedious! Armedious! chanted the crowd.

Sitting atop a black stallion, Armedious smiled and waved to the crowd and encouraged them to cheer louder and they were more than happy to oblige. Seated behind him was Aloria, who appeared uncomfortable with all the attention from the cheering crowd but waved and greeted them all just the same. She was one of them, after all. There was no royal blood in her family, but Armedious was enchanted with her and the citizens of Callendor loved that one of their own had been accepted into the royal family.

She was quite striking with her flowing red hair and mesmerizing emerald eyes, but there was much more to Aloria than just her natural beauty. There was a kindness and warmth about her, but also a fighting spirit within her that made her as fierce as any warrior in Callendor. She had many desirable qualities, but it was the fighting skills that she possessed that drew Armedious to her.

As they made their way through the crowd, Prince Kilian, high up on the balcony, was beside himself. He tried to regain the attention of the citizens, but they were totally transfixed with Armedious and ignored him.

Father, do something! Kilian pleaded, but King Marcos and Queen Gwendloyn only smiled and clapped along with the crowd. This is supposed to be my.... our day, not his! He couldn't even give us the courtesy of showing up on time or even bothering to dress for the occasion!

Kilian, your brother has just returned from battle only yesterday. his mother scolded him. Let Armedious enjoy the gratitude of the kingdom.

Let him ignore all royal protocol in other words. Kilian muttered under his breath. She had always been partial to Armedious as far as he was concerned and allowed him to do as he pleased.

In the courtyard, Armedious led the stallion towards the stairs with its closed gate that led up to the balcony. It was heavily protected by the King's Guard, but they stepped aside on his approach and opened the gate for him. Believing that the prince and Aloria would dismount from the black and walk up the stairs, they were surprised when Armedious led the stallion through the gate much to the delight of the crowd. They disappeared momentarily as the horse and its two riders began to make the climb up the many stairs only to reappear shortly afterward up on the balcony. Those gathered below cheered even louder as the stallion trotted in front of where Kilian stood. With a final wave, Armedious jumped off and helped Aloria down before handing the reins to a surprised guard. Chants of Armedious! Armedious! Armedious! went on for several moments before Prince Kilian was able to address the crowd again.

As his brother began to speak, Armedious greeted his parents before giving Princess Marisse a warm embrace and a peck on the cheek, which got the crowd cheering once more and interrupted Prince Kilian again. Enraged, he carried on with his speech once the crowd had calmed down. Armedious and Aloria sat down beside Uther and as he did so, Armedious pulled out a dagger from his pocket and handed it to Uther.

Something to add to your collection, little brother. Armedious said. Madrosian steel. They can't fight worth a damn, but they make the finest blades in the realm.

Thank you, Arme! I was hoping that you might bring me back a souvenir from the fighting. Tell me how the battle was.

Kilian turned and gave them a dark look for talking while he was making his speech.

Later, little brother. Armedious whispered.

A celebration took place later that evening in the ballroom. After a large feast, the gathered dignitaries and guests enjoyed a musical performance followed by a formal dance. Needing a moment to himself, Prince Kilian stepped outside to escape the festivities to enjoy some fresh air on the terrace.

A memorable day, my lord. The voice came from the shadows and startled him before he recognized who it was that spoke.

Faust? What are you doing out here?

Too many people for my liking inside. I prefer the peace and tranquility of my solitude.

I can understand that. I would prefer solitude rather than listening to the insufferable stories of my brother's exploits on the Plains of Valhar.

The sorcerer noted the contempt in Kilian's voice and took a moment before he spoke again.

It would seem that he single-handedly won the battle by himself, doesn't it?

Yes, to hear him tell it over and over again. I've yet to hear him give any credit to you or the rest of the men who fought alongside him and gave their lives. My sources tell me that he disobeyed Field General Egan's orders and recklessly led his men into an ill-advised attack and that almost three hundred of his men died unnecessarily because of it. Is that so?

Faust held his tongue briefly before doing his best to give a diplomatic response. There were other courses of action that might have been taken to avoid such unnecessary loss, but in the heat of battle... rash decisions are often made.

Any other man would face severe discipline for disobeying a superior officer, but not my brother because he's the mighty Armedious. He sits in there boasting of his accomplishments but shows little regard for commands and for those that he fights beside...especially those that lost their lives because of him.

Your brother has never been shy about sharing his exploits and following his own path.

And yet everyone loves him despite how he acts.

Faust noted that the prince was slightly inebriated and took the opportunity to stoke the fire that was burning within Kilian. Your brother certainly casts a large shadow, but you are the next in line to rule Callendor, Prince Kilian. You must take great solace in knowing that you will be king someday and that he will be taking orders from you.

Kilian rolled his eyes and chuckled. Armedious does what he wants and follows orders from no one. He ignores all royal protocol because of who he is and my parents let him get away with it. No regard for anyone other than himself, but because he's Armedious, the Invincible, he does whatever he chooses to and answers to no one. I am to marry a woman of royal blood from another kingdom who I care not for and will never love because it is my royal duty to do so. Armedious is allowed to frequent with a commoner which is strictly against royal protocol, but because of who he is, he's allowed to get away with it.

You don't approve of his acquaintance with the Lady Aloria? There was a sarcastic tone in Faust's voice. The common folk called her Lady Aloria because of her relationship with Prince Armedious even though there was not an ounce of royal blood in her family. She was quite fetching, however and Faust noticed on several occasions how Prince Kilian watched her from afar.

Let's just say that if I were to wish to make Aloria my bride, it would never be allowed as long as my parents were alive. 

What about when you're king? Who's to stop you then from doing what you want? The seed had been planted and now Faust wanted to make sure that it took root.

"No one, I