11. Good and Bad

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Commander Amir was going to give his report to King Rhett before his sword training with Prince Cormac. The man was of a tall built, years worth of protecting the kingdom was shown in his built. His strength was admirable amongst the guard. Even with his low cut salt and pepper hair showing his age was in full swoon. The man stood tall as if he was still twenty years younger.

Commander Amir was said to be on par with that of a Laqum soldier. The Commander walked with his held held high, his chest buff with pride. He had bad news for the king and that didn't let him falter in the least. He gave a three knock on the door to the King's quarters. Three knocks signalled it was no one other than the Commander himself.

King Rhett allowed him entrance, knowing the knock was no other than the Commander. Amir bowed before his king, his hand rested over the Seridinas crest that decorated his left chest. "I've come to make my report, your Highness." Commander Amir said.

King Rhett casually laid back in his chair, his crown sitting in glory and power atop his head. A smile took place on his lips, welcoming the good news that was the endless suffering of the fifteens. "You may proceed." King Rhett ordered.

Commander Amir looked to his sword as his hand remained on the crest. The Commander was a prideful man when it came to his work. Allowing a fifteen to slip through by his guards was nothing sort of a shameful act. "A fifteen was outside the Iron Fortress."

King Rhett frowned, his glare hard enough to pierce the armor the Commander wore. "A fifteen escape?" the King said, unable to believe such words. He furiously stood to his feet, his angry a blazing flame that could burn the castle to the ground.

"Yes," Commander Amir responded, the rage of the King like a dragon breathing fire. "He seemed to be returning to Area fifteen, bringing along a sack with him."

"Returning," King Rhett repeated, such foolish words leaving the Commander's mouth was a disgrace. "Did you catch him?" The King asked, thinking to get at least some good news.

"No, he escaped." Commander Amir said simply. "We managed to injure him but he got away." he added, noting to the king that his men didn't let him go so easily.

"Do you know who he is?" King Rhett asked, wanting to know the face behind the person who was the first to escape Area fifteen and return uncaught. A person worthy to receive the wrath of the King.

"My men didn't see his face, he was quick to escape, my lord." Commander Amir could never tell the King of his guards drinking on duty. "I've already devised a new strategy and tightening any loose gap there is."

King Rhett shook his head. "No, let things remain as they are." Commander Amir was shocked by the Kings words but nodded in agreement. "Don't change your formation."

King Rhett dismissed the Commander, scattering everything that laid on his table to the ground. He looked towards the Seridian flag that covered the brick wall, glaring as if it could reach the man below. "Did he leave an opening?" he wondered.

Commander Amir was impressed by Prince Cormac's sword play today. He was much quicker, stronger and thought about ever possible movements to hit the enemy. The prince had done in four blows to the Commander. Two more than he did on a regular day. If he was lucky he would get in three.

The Prince had put the Commander on the defense, their swords clashing as Iker watched at the side. Even he was amazed by the prince fighting spirit today. Commander Amir smirked, moving his hands quickly as he turned the tide. With a few strikes and movements forward, the prince was faced with a sword pointing to his throat. His Adam apple bobbed as he swallowed hard.

The Commander lowered his weapon, "You have my praises, young prince." Amir said.

Prince Cormac hand fell to his side, the sword making a loud clank as it hit the floor. The Prince thought he had him, that he was in for the fifth blow for the day. "They don't call you a master of the sword for nothing Commander."

"I'm sure no one calls him that." Iker added, taking up the prince's sword then handing him a cloth to wipe his face.

"No need to ruin my praises, Iker." the Commander laughed, sheathing his sword. "I'll have you know my skills are worth a thousand men."

"You jest Commander Amir." Iker responded, a laugh escaping his lips.

"May I ask you a question Commander?" Prince Cormac spoke as they walked from the burning sun and under the shade. The Commander nodded, not able to refuse a request from the prince. Iker stood to the side, curious as to what the Prince had to ask Commander Amir.

"Why are the people inside Area fifteen?" It was bugging the Prince. The people inside weren't diseased so there had to be another reason why they were there. The Commander had worked with any duties involving Area fifteen for as long as the Prince could remember.

The Commander withdrew the cloth from his face. His hard exterior was luckily enough to hide his shocked expression. Iker looked at the prince, unbelieving to his actions.

"May I ask what bought about the question young Prince?" the Commander along with everyone who was in close proximity of the Prince received the same message from King Rhett.

"Curiosity." the prince responded nervously, his hand reaching for the back of neck, thinking it wasn't a good idea to ask the Commander since he reported to the king himself.

"Inside are the diseased," Iker added. "Remember Prince Cormac?"

"It seems I've forgotten," the prince knocked his forehead. "The heat must've gotten to my head."

"Would you care to spar with me, your highness?" Iker requested. "The Commander has thought me the basics." Iker didn't give the prince a choice, walking back onto the grounds with the Prince sword in hand.

The Commander handed Cormac his own sword. Prince Cormac didn't know Iker had learnt the basics of using a sword. Thinking to go easy on him. Iker didn't get enough practice as the prince did, it was only fair.

"Ready?" Iker nodded, taking his stance.

Iker went in for the first blow, the prince already deciding to use half his strength against Iker. The Prince hand felt like a jolt of vibration running through his arm when Iker collided swords with him. Reacting based on his lessons and his instinct, he quickly used his strength to keep firm, not allowing Iker to over power him.

The Prince knew Iker had learnt more than the basics on swords skills. If he wanted he could join the imperial army with a bit more training. Prince Cormac regained his composure, smiling as he clashed swords with Iker.

"Why would you ask such a question your highness?" Iker said between breaths, his voice as low as a whisper, not faltering in his technique. "I believe you promised me not to say anything until you devise a plan. Shall you be pierced with a thousand swords?"

"I didn't break my promise Iker. There's no need for me to be pierced by a thousand swords." the Prince now had Iker on the defense. "I don't see why I shouldn't go to my father's chamber and confront him on the matter."

"Think about it Prince Cormac." Iker spoke, being pushed back by the Prince. "There must be a reason why he kept if from you. What will he do if you find out? Do you think he'll change the ways of the Kingdom just because his son told him to?"

Prince Cormac hadn't thought about it. He knew King Rhett was a hard man, as cold as winter in full swoon. He recalled telling the king about the Garrett District, nothing had changed. Prince Cormac shouldn't think that as his son the king would listen to him.

The King stood above all, even his own blood. He ruled by his own decisions and thoughts, what he thinks is right. What the Prince said, didn't matter. Why would his father lie in the first place? The Prince would just have to wait, perhaps until his coronation.

"I'll wait until my coronation." Cormac informed Iker. "I'll do as you please but you need to cover for me when I leave for Area fifteen." the prince had yet to return. He had wanted to see Phoenix, perhaps learn how to attain such a strong ground and determination while maintaining a kindred heart.

Iker frowned, "Haven't you seen enough already your Highness?"

"You said I should get to know my people. I can't take a day in knowing them. I need to know more, there's still things I don't know Iker. Plus, I would like to see him again."

Iker kept silent, using the technique the Commander used earlier on the Prince, "You're talking a risk. I'll help you only because it's for the future of the Kingdom." Seridina needed a change, a new king who cared for its people. The prince couldn't be caught, we couldn't get caught.

The Commander clapped on a job well done, the Prince handing him back his sword when he stood before the two. "A fight shouldn't involve talking." he spoke, seeing the exchange but couldn't hear over the clash of swords that drowned out their voices.

"My apologizes," Iker bowed. "I thought taunting the Prince would allow me to win."

"You're a quick learner." Cormac said, noticing Iker learnt the technique the Commander used earlier on. "And not a swordman of a low caliber."

"I need to learn some sort of protection, what if an enemy were to attack." Iker said. "I've watched you practice as they days pass, I happen to want to try it out." Iker came to know that a sword can't always protect him.

"There won't be anymore wars." Prince Cormac said, determination like flames in his eyes. "As the future king, I'll bring about peace and a kingdom where my people are free."

As Commander Amir heard the prince voicing his ambitions for the future of the kingdom. He knew Prince Cormac was different from King Rhett.

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