Letters From a Lost Kingdom (2)

This particular document seemed to have been crumpled. The handwriting does not match the young lord's and it seems he'd found out about his father's correspondence with the usurper. Centuries must have worn out the top of the letter.

-need more men. You have until the king orders our guards to take the crown for yourself. Don't forget to hold up your end of the deal. I'll do my part and have my soldiers stationed outside of the palace.

These next two letters were exchanged most likely during the early days of the new ruler. It seems as though the young lord wanted to keep his sister in the dark, seeing as she questioned why she needed to stay within the walls

Dear Basi Twatface,

I hope you're doing well. Send my regards to mother and father. How have you been? It's been months since your last letter and with each passing day, I worry about all of you. If you don't have time to write something at least send a small trinket; it will let me know you're okay.

As for me I've been enjoying my stay with the Ladies of Maleficia and their young lord Veridion. They've been teaching me how to enhance our weapons and armor and I've managed to forge a sword from stone. In short, my studies have been going well.

Lord Veridion has even shown me a secret weapon that House Maleficia had kept intact for over a couple thousand years. The archives say that it hails from beyond the Barrier, that it's called a 'gun'.

Speaking of barriers, I found out about your order.

Why did you give it? For what reason would you deem necessary for me to stay behind the walls of this House? I feel caged, trapped and I want to go outside. I want to visit Maleficia's market, look for new dresses, talk to their people.

I'm beginning to resent you.

You should make up for it when I get back. If you don't, I'll fight you with the weapons I've forged and I'll be sure to win. You'd also better give me a very good explanation.

In other matters, I bought you a new dagger. The Ladies had a selection brought in my room so I could pick and choose. I also got mother and father a pair of matching rings in their favorite color.

I can't wait to come back and show you what I've learned.

Your sister, Sese.

I know you have no siblings, professor, but trust me when I say that there is no sibling rivalry or discontent between these two nobles. Disregard their vulgar language when they address each other.

Dear Sese Donkeydung

Your brother is doing well. I've mentioned you to mother and father. They're happy you're safe. I apologize for taking so long to write you; I've been busy with affairs concerning Luveraine. Trivial matters do stack up.

As for my order, I'll tell you in due time why it's needed, but for now, I implore you to obey it and continue to stay within the walls. For this, I apologize as well.

One of the prototypes that you drafted is being forged, to make up for what I'm putting you through. I know you've been wanting to hold this one in your hands for a while. In addition, I've requested that the handguard be carved into an intricate design, one I'm sure you will like.

The moment it is safe, I'll lift the order and you will be free. This, I promise you.

Your brother, Basi.

This letter was harder to discern. It seems that it was rushed and the effects of the curse was already taking hold even if the young lord did not know it.

Ladies of Maleficia,

I, Base'el Rubrum have come to you in my time of desperation, and if I were before you at this very moment, you would find me on my hands and knees. The knowledge of your abilities is known far and wide by all of Luveraine. This is why I need you to grant me one wish.

Keep Iblisera Rubrum within your walls. Tell her if she catches word of my plea that I have given an order instead. She'll be more inclined to listen. Under no circumstance should she know what has happened in this realm and kingdom.

In return, I will give you everything that I have the power to give. Whatever you wish, I will send over immediately. There's no hidden motive within this letter, no mind games for you to win or solve. Just a brother's fear and begging for the safety of his family, the one he can still save. My parents do not know what I am doing as they'll surely stop me. I am at your full mercy.

Knowledge is a death sentence in my House. With the usurpation, doing the right thing means digging my own grave. Even as I write this letter, I run the risk of collapsing from my desk. The Blood Oath is a deadly thing.

Protect my sister. I will pay with my life if you so ask.

Base'el Rubrum.