Nirvana

Noble Nirvana

Aetri knelt, in Blackwaters. His fingers caressing the ice-cold pool of dark aqua,

"What is happening to me?" He whispered, "Why do I linger in this place, that evades my memory upon my coming to the waking world?" This was not Uld tongue, but the King's tongue, the spoken word of the Britons, eloquent but convoluted as such that no other nation could follow it.

"You are bound to this place, it will call to you, scream chaos until you see fit to answer. The time has come. tonight everything will change, Your destiny is Nigh."

Aetri did not question, He knew with each memory that the truth grew closer "Very well. I will listen."

"Take solace in the truth, Boy, because though it may bind you, it will set you free."

And then, just as before, just as the Watcher promised, the memories came upon him.

---

They climbed the thousand Iron steps towards the heavens where the Great tower of the Fist stretched, but the boy did not look tired, He'd dreamt of finally climbing these thousands of steps, to finally be deemed worthy of entering the storied Hall of the Fist, where the Ten Fingers of the King would gather to give council.

He was not even breathless when he came to the summit of the tallest tower of the Great Moon palace. Unlike The Old man, who was near breathless, resting his arm on the Boy who smiled at his tiredness "Not all can be young and vigorous, boy."

"Not all are the size of an Ox, Uncle." He jested.

Oz smiled as they walked to the great iron doors, that only the strong could beckon to open "Do not jest. This is a place of council, You will refer to your peers here with respect." Oz whispered happily.

The Boy knew the ways of court, as royals did, and bowed respectfully "Yes, Lord Regent."

The Iron Dragon entered the hall of the first, a large hall, decorated with ancient Regis tapestries, dust-covered weaponry, and shields hoisted on the walls, besides great paintings of the Legendary Britannian Kings, all framed in gold.

"Ah, Here He is..." said Harry as He spotted the Trio, his eyebrow rising a little as the Young prince came into sight "what's this?" Harry said as He approached the Boy, a nervous look on his youthful face "is that our Prince I see, the Very same prince that ditched training again this morning?" The Youth chuckled as he waved the Captain off

"I know not of what you speak, Sir Harry, I was there, just... hiding."

"Hiding is that so!? well how about this, You sit right here next to me so that You don't slip off without the Lord-Regent's permission huh!?" Before the Boy could protest he was seized by the ear and dragged the complaining Prince over to the long table, where the Council Members would soon sit.

Oz wandered down to the opposite end of the hall, leaving Harry to tell the Prince off as the Spymaster followed behind silently.

On that west wall, were a hundred years of Dragon kings painted into golden frames, starting with King Hotspur, son of George the Dragonslayer, and continuing with other past kings.

Oswuld enjoyed looking at them as he passed, but always averted his eyes from the penultimate Portrait, that of his father King Henry, He didn't want to see that man's face, not if he could help it, but the last painting was one that he was always happy to see, that of Uthyr himself, adorned in his Gilded armour, his mane of hair, pure gold... that was before it had gone silver... before the south.

It lay proudly on his shoulders and that wide goofy smile that the ladies liked so much brandished on his handsome face.

Oswuld looked back over to the Prince and Harry Randall, who was now laughing happily, doubtlessly at some horrible joke that the Knight-Captain had made, the Youth looked so much like his father when he was happy, even more than Edwyn... "Lady Spymaster," He asked referring to his Shadow softly

"Yes, Master?" she quickly replied Oz folded his arms as he stood in thought

"Do you think Edwyn... do you think things would have ended differently, if Uthyr had told her, instead of me?"

She pondered in the question for a moment, her barely audible breaths sounding behind her Silver mask "No, Master. it wouldn't." She said matter factually, making Oz chuckle darkly as He continued to stare at his Brother's portrait

"Had to go and be the Hero didn't You, leaving me to pick up the pieces..." He said quietly, staring into his Brother's painted Golden eyes, staring almost as if the picture might look back with his old wink.

The Lord-Regent stood patiently as the Council members finally began to enter, taking their seats and greeting Oswuld in the prim and proper way.

First was, of course, the Knight-Captain himself, Harry Randall bowed deeply "Highest respect Lord-Regent." Harry gave his Lord a knowing look, which Oz returned, Harry was, of course, a very important part of the Royal Court... but his thoughts were interrupted by the Form of a Large man.

Bowing now before Him, was Lord Angus Bruce, a Tall and thin man, wrapped in fine furs, his short braided hair falling to his Fiery red braided beard "Respect Lord-Regent."

"Thank You, Lord Bruce, The old Legion giving You trouble?" He asked, thinking fondly on the old boys he used to command.

Lord Bruce chuckled "barely, the Iron are like church mice compared to My Brother's Ice walkers, Still, I thank You for the opportunity to Command in Your stead." Bruce was not as fierce as his Brother, Lord Robert the Bruce, but he was no less tactful and cunning, plus with the snow lands in a state of unease since Uthyr's passing, having Bruce as Lord of The Iron, kept the Northern coldmen in check.

After Angus took his seat, along came the shambling, drunken form of none other than the Lord Admiral Jack Bors, cousin of to the Sea-Lord Edward of Thatch and notorious binge drinker.

Jack waddled over, clutching his sheathed Cutlass tightly as He used it to prop himself up, "Respect... Respect Lord-Regent, apologies, I had to rush from... my duties." He said scratching his stubble and trying to shake the drunk away, his hard features made mellow as he attempted to muster a bow, Oswuld tried to keep his eyes away from his spiralling facial birthmark, the very same Mark that all of the Blood of the Bors carried

"Duties at the Tavern no doubt," Oz spoke with an annoyed sigh, Jack merely shrugged, waddling over to his seat and almost immediately laying his head on the table.

"disrespectful Sea-Dog..." The Voice was gentle and soft, though it did not make the sinking feeling in Oswuld's chest any less unpleasant.

From the Doorway entered a Beautiful Young woman, perfectly fitted into a beautiful Crimson and Yellow dress, decorated with large colourful scale patterns, climbing from her shapely waist up to her semi-exposed cleavage, Oswuld tried not to frown at the maroon eyed lady as she approached and gave a curtsy

"Lady Ariana, so glad that You could make it." He said with a bow, his distaste barely containable as Her rosy face looked at him, just as all of her family were, Lady Paravant; The Lady of Silver (Or court speaker) was perfectly held, dressed and presented, even then, she had a deep malice behind that smile, the same that her father had and her brother too.

"Oh really, then You will be glad to see me..." The Voice was equally soft, though the serpentine hatred behind it was a little more obvious. Lord Alexander Paravant; Lord of Gold (The Head of the Crown's treasury) stepped out, his long river of Mousey brown hair, flowing out into a bright blonde just as his sisters was, if not for the Bright crimson of his armour, you could barely tell that Lord Paravant was a man, his girly features making Oz grit his teeth. "Respect Lord-Regent," they said in tandem, though Alexander hissed the words out.

Ariana's gaze flickered to the shadowed Spymaster who stood by Oswuld like a guardian shadow "Lady Spymaster, so good to see You home safe after your visit to our home, tell me, how is our father?"

Her ladyship the Spymaster was quiet for a moment before crossing her arms dismissively "Delightfully Dull."

Oswuld grinned a little, sometimes He loved the fact that the Spymaster was Vatan, honesty was a given, Alexander grunted as He walked to take his seat, Ariana simply smiled, however, "Oh He can be can't he? those Balls He hosts, full of powerful old men filled with old stories that no one cares about, but You'd know about that wouldn't you Lord-Regent?" Ariana said her grin darkening a little.

Oz could feel his Spymaster tense up beside him, "Careful Lady Paravant, I suggest that You quickly take Your seat before My shadow loses her patience." Oz warned

Ariana shrugged lightly and then bowed "Why of course Lord-Regent, I apologize." and with that, much to Lord Oswuld's relief, Lady Paravant took to her seat beside her brother, the two of them staring curiously at the Young Prince, who continued to chatter happily with the Knight-Captain.

"The Council is gathered, Master," the Spymaster said, looking upon the nearly full table "Everyone but Magister Hargos, wherever the Hell she's disappeared off too again, and Henrietta was doubtlessly scrambling to arrive, oh well, then again there was Falstaff, where the hell has he gone?" Oswuld paused as his spymaster bowed to him, just as deeply as all the others

"Highest Respect Lord-Regent." Oswuld smiled at the Spymaster, he had missed her, a more Loyal follower could not be found, sure her reasons were less than pure but... Oz's thoughts were interrupted as one last form burst into the room.

From the Doorway stepped a Giant of a man, adorned in thickly plated Grey armour, clearly fresh from battle, so big that it didn't look like any other man could even really lift it let alone wear it, neatly cropped beige-blonde hair a clean-shaven face that looked hard as iron and stormy grey eyes that peered at Oswuld with a hard smile

"Oi Oi... I mean apologise for my lateness Lord-Regent." he said in a booming voice, his colossal form thundering in his heavy armour toward Oz who grinned like a child when Falstaff Havel the Boulder came to Bow respectfully in front of him "Respect, Lord Wulda." He said in his hard tone.

The Use of that Name generally bothered Oswuld, but hearing from Falst served only to remind him of the good old days, where He, Falst and Uther would drink in the Iron Tower, singing the night away after a swift victory on the battlefield,

"Hurry up and take Your seat Meathead, the Paravant's might think you an unsuitable Host of the Fingers," Oswuld muttered playfully, Falstaff grinned in return

"Saints shit on their spirits and spread their sorrow from here to the Snake eyes.'" He said as he turned, sneering at Lord Alexander as he squeezed into his large Chair at Oswuld's side.

"Alright then, excluding Magister Hargos and lady Henrietta we are all present, let the nest begi-"

Oswuld was interrupted by the doors bursting open, Henrietta's petite form hunched breathlessly as she muttered "Sorrysorrysorry... I got a little caught up.... sorry." She apologized, marching to Oz's side and taking in a breath

"R-Respect, Lord-Regent-Sorry." She whispered, Ozwuld rolling his eyes at the Lady Chamberlain as Oz took his seat.

Oswuld spoke as he sat in his grand chair at the head of the table,

"Perhaps our Esteemed Lord Regent could solve a personal enigma, with the Permission of our gracious host of the Ten." spoke Lady Paravant as Her eyes peered over to the clearly nervous prince, who sat timidly by Lord Randal's side, "Are You sure that our Young Prince should attend the Council?"

Oswuld smirked "What of it, My brother and I were Younger when King Henry had us hold council in this glorious Tower of the Fist?"

Alexander butted in "...is that the same King Henry the mad Dragon that plunged Britannia into 15 years of Chaos?" The word's made Lord Havel growl at Paravant's disrespect, though Oswuld halted him with a gesture

"Yes, I mean King Henry the Mad Dragon, the in turn man who raised The Golden Dragon, the greatest king to ever rule the Ninefold since George the dragonslayer himself, our prince will eventually sit on the Throne of Glass and thus his presence in these meetings will become more and more mandatory, starting from now." The Lord-Regent's words seemed to ease The Boy a little "But my nephew's education is not why I summoned You all today..."

"And what per se is the reason that You so hastily summon us My esteemed Lord-Regent?" Jack asked, his words strangely tact despite his clear inebriation.

Oswuld took a breath, giving his nephew a reassuring look as he stood and spoke clearly "I have summoned You all here today to speak about Princess Edwyn."

The Quiet of the room quickly stirred into mumbles of curio, Edwyn had been gone for many years, running southward after... the incident, doubtless many had suspected her dead, The Prince's meek attitude so far seemed to fade and an eager look came upon him

"B-But nobody has seen the shamed Princess Edwyn for Five years now!?" spoke Lady Henrietta,

"That was true, up until a couple of weeks ago after seven of my agents reported sightings of her on the Southern borders." the lady spymaster coldly stated.

"Nonsense, nobody has ever crossed through Serpent's pass and lived since Lord Ozwuld and King Uthyr returned to liberate our kingdoms, at least not without Our father's knowledge?" Lord Alex said proudly

"Did Lord Paravant know anything about this?" Knight-Captain Randall asked as Crow crossed her arms

"No, I found this information independently."

Lady Paravant spoke softly in protest "Are you suggesting that My father would not tell You if he had known of the bastard Princess' coming?"

Oswuld fixed them with a suspicious eye, He did not like it when people called her that... even after all that she had done.

"We are making no accusation My lady... but if not Princess Edwyn... I do find it curious that none of the Southern Lords noticed the Armed force ninety thousand strong on their doorstep?"

Lord Bruce was the first to stand from his seat "Ninety Thousand!?" the mummers had... escalated "How could a force that large gather without the Regiment's knowing?" The Lord of Iron asked in outrage

All eyes fell upon the Paravants who seemed... oddly unshaken "This is serious news." said Ariana sternly, standing from her chair and looking upon everyone with a look of genuine concern "Our family has been trusted to govern the southern lands for years and if an army this large has come under My father's watch then we need to find out how."

"How?" Angus spat harshly "your family have been funny with the Regiment for years, trying to control our patrol routes, how do we know that House Paravant isn't behind this force?"

Crow cast her lot in "This Army was most definitely not assembled by Lord Paravant, they seem to have journeyed even further from the Forbidden valley, how anyone managed to organise the Scaled men, I do not know, but not even the Paravants have been able to cross Serpent's pass..." Alexander and Ariana seemed surprised, though Crow quickly struck them down "Though many signs of them supporting this force were made apparent to me."

"B-But why is Wyn with them?" The Young Prince asked, his voice raised so that they could hear him, everyone looking with surprise at his eager interruption.

Oswuld looked at his Nephew sadly "just sightings Young Majesty, No confirmation yet." He could see the conflict in his eyes, a clashing of Joy and concern,

"So what can we do about it, w-we have to protect The Captial," Henrietta said even more nervously than usual

"Forget the Capital, an army like that could cause chaos across the entire realm!" Angus roared, looking to Lord Oswuld "We should start making a plan of defence My Lord, mobilize the Knights and the full force of the black Regiment."

"Perhaps, but there is still the case of Lord Paravant to discuss..." Oswuld said, stroking his Iron grey beard as he looked over to the Paravants and then to his nephew "What do you think we should do about Lord and Lady Paravant, Young Majesty?"

The Boy froze as all eyes looked at him "Ummm, well..." He looked over to The Paravant siblings, Ariana smiling and Alexander frowning, the red knight standing and slamming his fist on the table

"This is outrageous, how are You accuse our father of such a thing!-"

"Sit down, Alex, think not to disrespect the Lord-Regent, Sovereign in standing for the future king, who holds our very fate in his hands." Lady Ariana hissed, her smile never faltering, Her brother looked like he might continue but his sister clutched his wrist tightly, her eyes becoming cold and angry "Sit. Down."

Lord Paravant gritted his teeth sitting down with quiet malice painted on his face.

"Perhaps it is a little early for the boy too-" Lady Henrietta was cut off by the Lord-Regent's gesture, sure the Prince looked nervous but Oswuld knew those eyes, those judging Golden orbs, the very same look that Uthyr would give when passing judgment.

"W-Well," The Boy started "They can't leave, really" Ozwuld could tell that he didn't want to be mean, but that too soft a hand could be detrimental "I'd say keep Lord & Lady Paravant Here until their father could be contacted, if they are a part of it, then it wouldn't be wise to allow them to plot further?" His words were scattered and unsure, but Oswuld smiled all the same,

"wise words, we will make a king of You yet."

Oswuld called upon all of the Lords "Knight-Captain Randall, Lord Iron Bruce, get our men out there and ready to defend, do not attack, these forces may not be here for a fight. Henrietta, I ask that You work with Lady Paravant to set up contact with her father. Lord Bors!" Oswuld said clicking his fingers to get Jack's attention, "I want you to keep tabs on any Letters and Messages that come and go from the city, just in case our guests are involved, you think You can do that?" Jack grinned coyly as he stood "I may be a drunk, but I am not an unuseful one"

"Wait, what about me?" Alexander asked with an annoyed expression, Oswuld smirked "Enjoy Your stay at the Moon Place Lord Paravant. Crow take our young king to be to his mother and tell her I'll be late for diner, Lord Falstaff and I have some things to discuss in private.

---

The Dream became wavy then, like water thrown on a flame, the images became steamy and ill-tempered, wriggling aimlessly to distort Aetri's view.

"I don't understand?" He admitted to the sky, which rumbled with darkness and rattle with whispers like a viper's tail "My Kin are abnormal, but this is something else, no man should have clairvoyance as this, it must be magic?"

"This place is magic, as the wind is magic, and the stone, and the sea, of course, the flame, the entire earth, but this place is real, it is the most fundamental and factual place imaginable, but facts and Imagination are moulded like clay, and with the blood that runs in your veins, past, present and future become one. You are pushing towards the next step, a seige on the senses. After today, you will embrace the beast, that You were destined to become."

The Sky whistled with the voices of nothing, floating in the abyss which was illuminated with a choir of beauty, and yet... had no beauty in it at all. "I've had enough of this, enough with the fleeting images and the shadowed mirages, halt this foolish endeavour, and tell me what in the hel you want!?"

The Shadows maintained their screaming silence "I want you to remember, You have shed the boy and become the man, but now comes the time to outgrow the man... and become the monster."

Cold were the waters that he stood in, but not of cold as the icy stream of the past being stuffed into his brain, carrying him into the nirvana of Truth.