Checking in with Lords Frederick and Silva...

As you enjoy your new bride, your cousins Silva and Aria receive a summons from their father, Lord Frederick. Accompanied by his Marshal, Ser Faucon, he walks through the halls of his castle with unease... knowing a summons from his father is never positive.

"He isn't happy about Prince John escaping from the Inn... So much for the skilled Enzo..." Lord Silva says with a grin to Ser Faucon. "I am sure he will want more search parties and spies..."

Ser Faucon, a strong and renowned warrior replies, "Already prepared my lord, I have scouting parties organized and our spies are already out tracking him."

"Any word?" Silva asks as they climb a spiral staircase.

"Last we heard my Lord he had escaped into the Elven kingdom.... then we lost his trail." He mutters as they approach Lord Frederick's quarters, hearing the sound of steel swords bashing together.

Rounding the corner, Silva sees his father in full black plate armor topped with a new intimating helmet adorned with large wings. He is surrounded by 12 of his trusted bodyguards in a similar garb, with his seal, a red serpent, on their chests. He watches as the skilled warriors surgical blows are deflected with ease by Lord Frederick's sword and shield. His speed and power in combat only increasing with age. At 43, an age many weaker men retire, Frederick is in his prime. Known as the deadliest swordsman alive, second only to his slain brother.

With several impressive counters, he disarms and knocks down the 12 men who all kneel in respect before him as he says in a gruff voice, "A fair attempt... perhaps one day one of you can rise to the challenge of knocking me down...."

"My lord! I have arrived as commanded." Lord Silva says.

Turning as he lifts his helmet off his head to expose his scarred face and piercing eyes he replies angrily, "I believe it is customary to kneel before your lord..."

Slowly Lord Silva kneels, "Apologies father."

"Took you two long enough..." Tossing his helmet to one of the guards he continues, "Come we have an urgent matter to discuss."

Jumping at the opportunity, Silva says, "I heard father... and I have already taken action. You should..."

Cutting him off, Lord Frederick says with a laugh, "I should...? Well aren't you a bold little shit trying to give me orders..." His bodyguard chuckling as he steps closer to Silva, "You haven't heard anything!" He snarls, looking away with disappointment, "Not with your drunken fools you call spies."

"Its not his fault he just doesn't know his place father..." Your cousin Aria says as she removes her helmet.

Smiling, Lord Frederick looks at his daughter and says, "Yes just like his mother... a conniving little cunt. But even she sometimes had her uses..."

"A useless woman who deserved her end for betraying you father..." Aria says with a grin before adding, "But while lacking grace, Silva is at least useful... for now..."

Smiling proudly he adds, "Everyday you remind me how much you take after me... at least I know you are mine... Unlike your brother..."

Sheathing his sword, he steps over to a table in the center of the room, a map of the realm spread across it. "Prince John has been quite busy since Enzo interrupted his... activities... with his Sister Alexa at the Inn." Tracing his finger across the map he continues, "They arrived in the Elven kingdom last week, assisting the king and gaining his favor."

"So what... you can never trust an Elf, especially their kings." Lord Silva says with a smirk.

"Well their king just married his own fucking daughter to him..." Slamming his fist on the table he shouts, "His sole fucking heir!"

"Do try to listen for a change before you speak brother..." Aria says with a smile before biting into an apple.

"This complicates things, but perhaps his new friends could bring more of our nobles to our side.... they never liked Elves." He says as he runs his hand across the southern territories.

"Either way this means war father... a war on two fronts." Aria points out.

He crosses his arms on his chest, tapping his bracer with a finger as he says, "All the more reason Shabana's little foray to the south must be subdued before the Elves can mobilize."

"Not to mention give us favor with the Southern nobility, its their farms she is raiding." Silva points out.

Leaning in, Aria whispers in her father's ear, "He has his moments..."

"I will ride south to crush Shabana's little rebellion and eliminate her useless bloodline once and for all..." Looking over at Silva he says, "You will give whatever assistance Enzo needs to find prince John... and when he is found... he will be eliminated... perhaps ending the threat from the Elves."

Looking over at his guards lord Frederick orders, "Prepare the wagon trains and horses for our march!" Glancing at Aria, he says, "Walk with me... I have something to discuss with you."

"Of course father..." Aria says with a smile as she follows him past a heavy door into the hallway.