Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Wraithdrit" data-source="post: 1070754" data-attributes="member: 10820">Throne Room, City of ShadeMarpenoth 4, 1372A Few Hours Before DawnClariburnus had been waiting for the call from his father since his return three nights prior. When the message finally came it was in the form of a massive crow that landed on the windowsill of his bedroom window. The large bird scanned the room then let out a shrill cry. Clariburnus walked over, knowing the bird was a messenger from someone. When he got close the crow focused on him and spoke aloud, “You presence is requested in the throne room, young prince.” Clariburnus was amused to think that the crow was possibly older than him. Perhaps it was not even really a crow. It did not matter. The prince nodded to the bird, “I will be there shortly.” He turned to gather his things and was startled when the bird hopped up and down, crying out loudly, “Now!” It shuddered and let out a shrill crow call then leapt up and out the window, flying into the dark night air.The shadovar prince growled softly. His father was not happy if he was demanding his presence immediately. Clariburnus stopped just long enough to snap his bracers on his forearms and draw his cloak over him. Without further delay he stepped into the closest shadow and stepped out in the inky darkness of the throne room. Gone were the usual hangers on and court officials. Gone was the merchant class seeking an audience and the revelers drowning in their own liquid happiness. In their place stood only soldiers, lined up in a long column on either side of the entrance stretching to base of the dais that held the throne. Each soldier was clad in black plate armor, and carried a massive glaive similar to the one Clariburnus preferred. Each stood facing the aisle, their faces covered by the visors of their helmet.At the base of the dais stood a smug looking Hadrhune. He had his hands clasped behind his back and watched with amusement as the prince took in the situation. Finally the chamberlain spoke. “Good of you to join us, Prince. Please approach the throne.”Clariburnus strode confidently forward. No matter the consequences, he would meet this challenge with his head held high. There was no dishonor in his actions. He was serving the Empire.Finally his father spoke from atop the throne, “My son. You have made a terrible mistake.”Clariburnus could only shake his head, “No father, I did what was needed. Hadrhune’s actions would jeopardize the whole operation. If the heroes of Tethyamar had fallen to our forces-“The High Prince stood and growled out, “Then they were not the ones meant to take on this task!”The young prince stammered, “But father, they are the only ones who can… we must-“High Prince Telemont was in no mood to be argued with. “Do not contradict me!” He stood with a growl and strode down the steps. “You have turned shade on shade to advance your own thoughts on we should handle this.”“My lord, please. The plan was reckless. Hadrhune could have brought the entire operation I have worked to orchestrate down in one swift action.” Clariburnus did not back away as his father strode ever closer, but he could feel the oppressive weight of his fathers will bearing down on him.Hadrhune finally spoke, “And who do you think authorized the test of your so called heroes?” Clariburnus looked from the Chamberlain to the High Prince, his mouth gaping. High Prince Telemont filled in the pieces for him, “I did. Of course. You think I will trust the fate of my empire to some ragtag team of misfits? Just because you call them heroes does not make them so! You directly countered an operation by MY Chamberlain!” The High Prince’s hand rose and the growl from his throat matched the anger on his face. He squeezed his hand into a fist. Clariburnus gasped and gripped at his chest even as he fell to his knees. “Father please… I didn’t know…”Hadrhune shook his head, “Of course you did. I would never take actions against a Prince of Shade without direct permission from your father.” Claribunus knew that was so far from the truth it was laughable, but the crushing pressure on his chest prevented him from really seeing the humor.Telemont growled, “Give me one good reason why I should not kill you for your impudence. If you were not my son you would already be dead!” He twisted his fist and Claribunus howled in pain, throwing his head back. The prince could not move, he felt like his heart was being twisted within his very chest. If it did not burst from the pressure, it would surely be ripped from his chest in front of his own eyes. He his was laid back, tears of pain streaming from his dark eyes. He had only one chance to live through this. “We have … an agent… on the … inside now.”Telemont’s hand opened, releasing the pressure on Clariburnus. Hadrhune frowned. He had hoped that mention of the shade monk could wait till after Clariburnus was dead. Telemont stepped closer as Clariburnus collapsed to the cold black granite floor. “Continue…” Clariburnus’ chest hurt like nothing he had ever felt before. His shadow had retreated within him at the pressure of Telemont’s will. Clariburnus was alone when facing his father, alone against the most powerful being he had ever met. He tried to summon the will to speak, to plead his case. Finally the words came. “My agent. The one that helped stopped Hadrhune’s strike team. He is amongst the heroes. They are starting to trust him. He is with them… with them in the Underdark.”Telemont spun on Hadrhune. “Is this true?” His eyes burned like black fire as he narrow his gaze on the Chamberlain.Hadrhune bowed his head, “Yes my lord, it is. The man is a traitor, and an outcast. I personally banished him from the kingdom myself after his betrayal.”Telemont nodded slowly, “Fitting punishment. Good. He will be desperate to have it reversed then.” He turned back to his son. “Your actions were stupid. But you got lucky. The traitor will not trust any but you I’m sure. So you are once again useful to me. Do not fail me again, my son.”Clariburnus swallowed away the blood and bile that had risen in his throat. He croaked out painfully, “Yes milord.”Hadrhune stepped closer to the High Prince, “Perhaps Shar can come up with a suitable punishment for your son, milord.”Telemont turned toward Hadrhune and frowned, “I know how to punish my own son. You may go, chamberlain.” He turned back to his son, and shook his head. Hadrhune nodded, hiding his disappointment. The chamberlain turned and walked away.As he neared the door he heard the first of Clariburnus’ renewed screams of pain. Even the heavy black oak doors that closed behind him could not drown out the screams. Hadrhune smiled at the thought of the pain that Clariburnus was going through. It would be a long time before the young prince dared cross him again.As the pain of his father’s punishment coursed through his body, Clariburnus focused his thoughts and mind on one thing, the revenge he would exact upon the chamberlain one day.</blockquote>

Verification