Ephialtes

“Yes, too long indeed!” Fulcher said, leaning in to whisper to Vardia. “Hey, you sure this guy’s gonna be on our side?” Vardia leaned over, his armor groaning with every inch of movement as he responded.

“Yes Sir, the disagreements with our father and Corvidrop are oft discussed within the rumors of the noble houses,” the Custodi whispered.

“If you’re done whispering, My Prince, allow me to invite you inside!” Lord Corvidrop began. “I’m sure you are tired from your journey? And you certainly would like to ah, clean up, no?”

“How loyal are you to my Father?” Fulcher asked, standing up at the top of the stagecoach. Corvidrop’s eye twitched slightly before he grinned wider, the corners of his mouth reaching their peaks on his face.

“Ah, your father? I am ever the loyal subject, I assure you My Prince. Is there something specific you are wondering about?” he replied.

“I have come here today to announce to you that I will be usurping my tyrant Father, and replacing him on the throne,” Fulcher announced. Silence spread across the courtyard, virulent as a plague. It took a solid minute before Corvidrop uttered a single word.

“What?” he squeaked, his grin lowering.

“He is a cruel man, owner of slaves and slayer of men. He wages needless wars and forces those under his rule suffer. I imagine you too, have suffered Lord Corvidrop. As have your people,” Fulcher said.

Vardia, you better be right… Fulcher thought.

The Lord’s face had shifted into a full frown, his eyes turning towards a heavily armored man with some sort of crest on his armor. To Fulcher he looked like some sort of military leader or official, but it was hard to tell and he was not going to waste time finding out. With a jump Fulcher landed in the dirt next to the carriage, strolling over to the Lord and holding out his hand to him. Corvidrop simply stared at it for a long moment.

“Our lives should not be contained beneath the boots of cruelty. And we shouldn’t lay those woes upon others, either. I am not commanding you as your Prince, but asking for your aid against him as your fellow man,” Fulcher said, his arm remaining outstretched.

Corvidrop stared down at Fulcher for a moment before he groaned loudly.

“Oh you bleeding heart wretch, you just took all the fun out of this. Now I have to think,” he whined, batting Fulcher’s hand away. Fulcher blinked, looking at his hand in confusion as Corvidrop turned around.

“Stand down, the Prince is sympathetic to our desires,” he said, waving for Fulcher to follow him into the keep. Fulcher jogged a bit to catch up to Corvidrop, doing his best to keep up with the pace of the taller man’s stride.

“I won’t lie to you Fulcher, I had planned on taking you captive today to further our cause,” Corvidrop said. Fulcher paused as a chill went down his spine. He looked deeper into the shadows of the great hall, only now noticing the various guards moving about back to their posts. Among them were seven warriors clad in black armor, each with raven iconography. The Lord turned, eyeing Fulcher over.

“What? Don’t act like this was some grand betrayal. I learned have of what I know from reading about your own plots in the Capitol,” he said.

“I’m not that person anymore,” Fulcher muttered, as footsteps came up from behind him.

“Benedict, so good to see you again,” Schon said, joining the pair with Stella in hand. Corvidrop gained a new smile, smaller and more genuine as he dipped his head.

“Lady Schon, and the Princess! My Fulcher, you really thought of everything, didn’t you. Not a single hostage left behind?” Benedict said. He strolled towards the woman and plucked a black feather from somewhere around the fluff and fur draped over his shoulders, settling the feather neatly behind Stella’s ear. The young girl blinked and looked up at the feather, smiling. A bark echoed out as Arrow bounded up, attempting to sniff Corvidrop. The lord pulled away from Stella swiftly, disgust apparent on his face.

“Eugh, what a dirty beast! Fulcher, you’re keeping pets now? Beyond your Custodi?” he asked.

“That’s Arrow, and yes. He’s very nice, if you give him the chance,” Fulcher said, grinning a bit at the man’s discomfort. Arrow wagged his tail gently, tilting his head at the strange movements of Benedict. Slowly, the man lowered his hand back down, presenting it to the wolf.

“What, like this? Good… creature. Are you friendly?” he asked cautiously. Arrow stepped forward and sniffed Benedict’s hand, licking the tip of one of his fingers gently. The Lord leapt back, letting out a high-pitched screech as he wiped his hand on his legs.

“Augh! Repulsive, it slobbers! No, no… Fulcher, keep it away from me!” he said.

“Very well… Vardia, could you watch Arrow?” Fulcher called back.

“It will be done, Sir! Arrow, come here boy!” the Custodi called. Arrow barked and ran over, bowing in front of Vardia, who pulled out a rope to play tug of war with the wolf. Benedict wrinkled up his rose and coughed at the trio.

“By the Gods, you smell of forest paths and haybales… follow my servants and I shall have them prepare you rooms in our guest halls. In two hours we will meet to discuss whatever ridiculous rebellion you have planned,” Corvidrop said. Fulcher nodded.

“Thank you, Benedict. I promise you, you will like what I have to say,” he assured. The lord waved a hand dismissively, moving off to a set of stairs at the end of the hall. Servants flocked Fulcher, Schon and Stella, guiding them together towards where they would be staying in the keep. At the very least, they would have real beds and fresh clothing.