Chapter One: The Sah'Nite

Arriving on the mystery island named Istira, Alken says his farewells to a friend and walks into the darkness of the city. Finally arriving at the castle to find things are going the way he planned.

  After weeks of storms and ruthless winds, making it hard to get any sleep, Alken was feeling exhausted. Finally, he could see land on the horizon, promising a warm bed and roasted meat. 

  He didn't think he was the type of person to be travel sick, but with the trip he had, Alken was glad to be off the ship soon. He found himself freeze at every creek the ship made at night, even though the Sah'Nite was a breath taking ship. However, after spending long enough off land, it started to dull and the gnawing feeling to place his feet on firm ground started to seep into Alken's every thought.

   Staring out over the railing of Sah'Nite to watch its waterline break through the sea with ease and grace, forcing the deep blue water to fold on itself and cast off into ripples. The sky painted a pastel pink by the late evening sun setting on the land started Alken thinking back to his land.

It's so far away now. He thought to himself. Once I've succeeded in ensuring peace between our two kingdoms, I can return to my haven. Grim thoughts of swords drowned Alken's thoughts and he stopped himself as he realised he was clenching his hilt firmly at his side.

   "Alken ser, you looking ill still." Alken turned to see Captain Markt strut towards him. Him being so use to the rocking of the ship, he can elegantly walk on its deck. "Tell me son, did the medicine not work?" He frowned concerned.

   Laughing and waving the worry away Alken patted Captain Martk on the shoulder. "I am fine Captain, the medicine helped some what, but I did not sleep too well is all."

   When Alken first met Captain Markt, he didn't think they'll get on too well at first. Him being so bold and loud, Alken was worried the man would give him a headache - which in fact, the man instead proved good company. Being on a ship with only so many places to go and not many people to talk to, Captain Markt was certainly the best company Alken could wish for on the sea.

   Being a slightly stout and extremely muscular man, with a stern face, Alken at first thought encountering the man at dinner or generally on Sah'Nite would be intimidating - but he was completely the opposite. Always sharing a joke in one form or another about a sailor or pirates, some Alken never got and had to nod his head and laugh as best he could.

   Replacing his frown with a hearty smile the Captain returned the pat on the shoulder. "Aye me son. Don't worry, you'd be off me beauty Sah'Nite and onto dry land." At that he turned and in silence took in the beautiful scene before him, which Alken was thankful for.

   Even though I am pleased I'd be on land soon, I can't help feeling that I am going to lose a fond friend. Alken glanced at his friend staring out at the sea with a thoughtful expression. I never thought I'd start to cling onto people again after all this time.

   "Istira." The Captain whispered, mostly to himself Alken was sure, but didn't say anything encase it was. "They say she's a beaut," He said more clearly, which Alken picked up that the Captain was speaking to him now. "Not many foreigners go there though, only the few on ships looking for trade." 

   "Have you heard anything about the place?" Alken said curious.

   "All I've heard Alken ser, is that it's like no land ever seen before." Captain Markt was now staring intently at Alken, almost grimly Alken thought. "Be careful when you're there, I don’t know how they'll tend to travellers, or if they have much bother for them. But when you step onto that Island, you're stepping into a new world." Strangely, he smiled at that.

   Turning back to the view they stared out at the sea again.

   "We'll be arriving by moon rise. Make sure you've got everything you've packed." At that the Captain walked off shouting orders to his men.

   Alken forgot that all he packed was a small bag of cloths and a small coin pouch he'd been given - assured by many of the Captain's stories about the traders who've visited Istira, that the coin was of worth. 

   Soaking in the last of the setting sun and the spray of salty sea water raining on Alken's chiselled face. With no fault, his fierce blue eyes stared at the island growing bigger as the ship closed the distance. I suppose I am ready. Alken took a deep breath and pushed away from the rail to head for his cabin. 

 

   The moon started to rise above the rooftops when the Sah'Nite docked, sending silvery light to flood the streets, giving the late night wanderers guidance home. 

   When Captain Markt was finished shouting orders at his men to unload the wares, he strolled down the ramp to meet Alken staring out at the huge city of H'Dragh glowing from a hundred lamps burning warmly from within homes that stretched out around them.

   "Looks like our journey together ends here my friend." Captain Markt said.

   Alken turned to the captain standing a head shorter then himself, "Looks like it captain." Alken replied, feeling a little disheartened at the farewell. "Where you heading next?"

   "There's an inn I'm told that is a minutes’ walk from here, where sailors of all kinds are welcomed, that's where I'll rest for the night before selling my wares in the morning and then head back to the seas." 

   "Mind if I walk with you for a bit?" Alken said.

   "Of course son." Markt smiled warmly, "You be looking for a bed too?"

   "No, I intend to head straight to the castle." Alken said.

   "No King will be willing to discuss politics at this time of night."

   "I know, just would like to get use to my bearings at the palace, before presenting myself to the King." Alken explained.

    Markt started off down a street and Alken fell into step next to him.

    After walking in silence for a few moments, Captain Markt broke it "I use to be a naval captain you know Alken ser." Alken waited for Markt to continue, "Fought for my King the only way I knew - on the waves." Markt glanced briefly at Alken before continuing, "After successfully protecting my land and my King in a great war, one that cost me my crew and ship, I received gratitude and prestige. I didn't ask for anything in return, I didn't want anything from my King, but as time went on, I turned sad and empty - dreaming of the ocean and her adventures." Markt stared at his feet as if locked in a distant memory.

    "What did you do Captain Markt?" Alken asked.

    After a minute of reminiscing Captain Markt picked up where he left off, "The King requested a audience with me and I presented myself. He asked me why I was so distant and sad after winning a great war for him and I told him of my hunger of the seas and its beauty." Markt stopped at a doorway to a haggard building and Alken followed suit. "He then pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to me. I read it to myself, the captaincy of the ship Sah'Nite." He started to wail up, "I thanked the King, kissing his boots whilst crying. He told me that my crew will be awaiting my command on the ship and I could go sailing at once." 

   Alken was sure that he could see trails of tears falling down the Captains' face, but didn't motion it. "Sounds like a generous King, Captain Markt." 

   After a moment of catching his breath and regaining control of his motions he replied, more firmly now "Every King, after a man has fought with great strength and sacrificed so much for his King, gives a gift that will give back a man’s' life." Markt turned to look into his friend’s eyes, "Every King."

 

   The exchanging of farewells was brief and after the last thing Captain Markt said about Kings, left Alken rather unnerved. It was as if Captain Markt was getting at something and that what unease Alken the most. Maybe I'm just reading into Captain Markt's story too much and trying to see further meaning. Alken thought to himself as he walked down the empty streets of H'Dragh. 

   Moving deeper into the mass of buildings, the city slowly got darker as people went to bed. Alleyways felt void of light completely and Alken had to tear his eyes away from them, lest he was sucked into curiosity. Silence filled the streets, all but the echoing of Alken's well-made black leather boots. Within all the emptiness of light and sound, the chill of the midnight cloudless sky, seeped through Alken's knee length coat and he gave into the thought of pulling it close to him. 

   No matter how many steps Alken took, he still felt that the castle wasn't getting any closer. 

   Walking past another dark filled alleyway, Alken's eyes once again searched the shadows for shapes. Alken almost pulled himself from it again, when something moved within the thickness the darkness created and he almost found himself standing ready, with him hand on his hilt.

   After time dragged on and the shadows started to play with his eyes, Alken decided to drag himself away. But after the unusual event, he couldn't push it from his mind, putting it down to reflections or just the shadows.

    Whilst wondering down the dark streets, Alken never let his guard down, there was something that put him off. He couldn't stop searching the shadows for an unexpected 'friend'. He was sure that he could feel eyes on his back and shadows moving suspiciously, but Alken just put it to the fact that he must be weary after the trying to find his land legs again. Not to mention the fact that his eyelids felt heavy.

   His only motivation now was to get to the castle and find a bed.

   Rounding a two-story building, Alken fount the street opened up into a huge square, where a fountain sent echoes of falling water drifting throughout the plaza. Lamps hung high, sent light pouring out into the large plaza, warming it with a bright glow.

   Towering above Alken stood Vesetir Castle, glorious as any other castle he has seen. Grand and designed to look like a great fort, but presented as a palace. Alken liked the idea and mused over giving his King a few tips when he returns.

   Strolling over to the elaborate gate house on the other side of the fountain, guards immediately stood at attention and eyed up their midnight guest.

   "May you state your name and your admittance." One guard said, not moving in the slightest inch. Which amused Alken at the fact that he could just overpower them quickly and easily and gain admittance that way.

   Remaining civil, Alken pulled out his letter of admittance, "I am Alken Venti, from Delexy." 

   The guard held out his hand, which Alken place the letter in. After he unfolded it and read it quickly, he folded it and handed the letter back to Alken, which he replaced back into his pocket.

   "Open the gate!" The guard shouted, which was then collected by another guard in the tower above, who opened the huge gate. "Follow the path right, then take the stairs, where you'll find the lobby, this is where you'd find Lord Hovi. He is who'll find you a room and food." The same guard said, at a normal volume this time.

   Alken smiled and nodded, "Thank you." Which the guard repaid in kind and Alken started up the path.

   The path seemed like someone's little piece of haven. A small but elaborate garden, lining the path on either side with wild colour flowers. Chirps from nearby hidden birds, filled the haven with songs and Alken happily passed down the path at a steady paste.

   Haven was shortly lived as Alken came to the stairs, one thing the guard missed out was that the stairs climbed three or four times the height of Alken himself and the steps stood as steep. 

   Emerging at the top, trying to catch his breath as he pulled in deep breaths. "I am getting too old for this." Alken gasped.

   Moving through the high elaborate doors, he emerged in a breath taking lobby. The walls carved out of white stone into delicate floral patterns, finished with paint decorating the carved pieces. High above Alken, rose the ceiling standing twice as tall then needed and the floor a pastel pink stone, reflecting the room within itself. 

    Sat off-centre of the room a desk stood, as grand as the rest of the room, with a man hunched over it deep in concentration. Alken made his way over to the desk, with his boots sending sharp echoes throughout the lobby. Standing over the desk, Alken was surprised to find the man still hard at work. 

    He cleared his throat in attempt to get the man's attention however, he was oblivious. "Lord Hovi?" 

    Peeking over his arm, the man's eyes looked Alken from down-up, before jumping out of his seat, laughing nervously. "I am so terribly sorry ser, how may I help you?"

    "I am Alken Venti from Delexy."

    "Oh, we weren't expecting you for another couple days Ser Venti."

    "Just Alken please." He insisted, everyone calling him 'Ser' started to slowly grind on him. 

     Looking slightly more nervous, Lord Hovi smiled politely "You look tired Lord Alken, I'll have someone escort you to your rooms."

     Lord will have to do then. "So when will I see King Athur?" Alken asked keen. The sooner I see the man, the quicker I can get negotiations over and done with and I can get back on that ship to my homeland. 

    A little knocked back by the question, Lord Hovi looked troubled "Sorry Si-Lord Alken, but his majesty has passed away this morning." His head was hung low.

   Alken just stared at the man, feeling like everything just started to spiral out of control. "So what about my negotiations, Lord Hovi?" 

   "It'll have to wait until the new King is crowned and the council remitted." Said Lord Hovi.

    Alken was starting to get annoyed, it was late, and he was exhausted and wasn't getting any straight answers. "How long will that take?"

    "Oh, erm... Could be a week or two Lord Alken." Lord Hovi looked delicate, shrinking back in his pale long robe.

    Sighing, Alken held his head as it started to hurt.

    "You look drained, Lord Alken. I will call someone to escort you to your room." He gave a quick smile and then disappeared through the door behind his desk.

    Shortly after he emerged again with a armoured companion on his heels.

    Plated armour glinted in the low light, quality steel embroidered, an elegant shield hugged by a raven and wolf. Looking up from the armour, Alken was surprised to find that a pair of swerve amber eyes stared at him, light tanned skin and firey hair cut short.

    "This is Ser Kyte, one of our best knights, he while guide you to the guest wing." Lord Hovi introduced.

     "Ser Venti, an honour to meet you, I have heard many stories of your land." Her voice was light and had a melody to it.

     Alken couldn't get it around his head. The armour was clearly made for a man. Lord Hovi called this lady a man. But she was anything but. Unless men look as pretty as women in this strange land.

    "Follow me please." A beautiful smile stretched with ease across her face.

 

    Alken followed the armoured lady through a maze of hallways, he started thinking that he's lucky to have a guide, all the hallways branching off confused Alken before they even reached what seems like the centre of a labyrinth. She walked ahead of him a few paces and Alken preferred the distance and kept it like that.

     "Ser Kyte is it?" 

     "Yes Ser Venti." She glanced over her shoulder for a moment, long enough that their eyes locked.

     "Back in my land, women don't fight." Alken threw out a sarcastic remark.

     "Well your land and my land, isn't too different then."

     Alken was baffled, he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

     "You look rather young Ser Kyte." Alken said.

     "You don't look like you suffer with youthfulness." Ser Kyte snipped back.

     "So what are you?" Alken asked, knowing he'll receive a vague answer in return.

     "I am what you see." She replied and came to a stop outside an oak door "This is your room, anything you need, just ask." Then she started back down the corridor.

     Confused about the unusual lady, he opened the door and walked into his new room. 

      It was a simple room, four post bed which made it look like a room for a King. A nice sized table and chair sat in one corner of the room, companioned by a small bookcase close by, full of a variety of books.

      Alken closed the door behind himself and crossed the room to the chair, sitting back and feeling his body ache with relief. He let his eye lids close and felt a strong need to sleep. Images of men in armour and wielding swords being thrown across a plain red field, sounds of blood curdling roars screeched out of the hazy dream. Fire took Alken and he found himself completely helpless to fight this hold that kept him caged in his mind.