strongheartmaid

"Glad to find you two find something amusing," a familiar figure said as he emerged from the shadows, a minor wry smile on his face at once again catching the pair off guard.

"Fryte," Dram greeted, rising to hug the elder male. "It's been far too long."

Fryte snorted. "Not long enough, imp," he said before turning his attention to Joshua. "So, situation?"

Joshua let out a weary sigh. "Z'neth's been meeting with Baron Dark."

Fryte's left hand reached up to his face, sliding down the scar that had been left there during a battle with the Baron many years ago. There was a reason the baron had been expelled from council and lived on the outskirts of the golden city. "I see," he said, arctic tones dripping in his voice. "I'll talk some sense into the prince."

"Thank you," Joshua said, looking relieved. He knew Fryte would handle this - he had complete faith in the elder warrior. "I just can't figure out why Z'neth would be meeting with Dark in the first place. It's guaranteed that Z'neth will be the next king so it's not like Dark can help him claim his throne."

Fryte rocked back on his heels as he thought. "Dark could have promised his aid in the fight against that rogue faction lead by Dread."

Joshua dropped his head to the table, a loud thunk filling the air. "If it's not one rebellious faction, it's another. Remind me again why we didn't banish Dread's faction to the Wastes?"

"I haven't figured that out," Fryte said. "I think Council's afraid of doing it, especially without King Aaron's blessing. Although, we all know Aaron would banish him, especially after how many attempts on the royal family by one of Dread's minions?"

"I've lost track," Dram said dryly.

-

Summit wiped the sweat off his brow after he finished sparring with his younger brother. "You're getting better, Peak. Few more years and I'll really have to start worrying about you beating me," he said.

Peak gave a tentative smile. "Thanks, I think," he said, not sounding at all thrilled with that pronouncement.

Apex offered her two brothers towels so they could clean up. "Something the matter, Phillip?" she asked, switching to their private names.

"I.. I just don't think I'm cut out to be a warrior, Ailyn," he admitted. "Not like Sean or even Zhane."

Summit moved so he could ruffle his younger brother's hair. "Well, nothing says you have to be a warrior, but it's a good idea to learn. Just so you're able to defend yourself. Zhane and I won't always be around to protect you." He paused, noticing a lack of a certain older sibling. "Just where is he anyway?" A frown crossed his features as he mulled over where his elder brother could have gone.

"I don't know, Sean. It's gotten Uncle Joshua worried," Apex added.