With steady pace, Demian and Alonzo left the dungeon after Irwin disclosed every details of the trading ship. It was a very prideful moment for Alonzo as his old eyes got to witness his master's growth. He had expected The Young Prince to use torturous methods as he had done so previously but seeing him handling with knowledge and one's emotions was a quite the sight for him.
When Prince Billard had announced the marriage between him and and Princess of human nation, he had a doubt that it would make the matter worse but seeing him growing made the old steward believe that it was the best decision. His lips curled up under his thick bushy moustache which swayed in the air.
His greying eyes watched the young master heading toward the great hall as he followed him from behind. His unforgiving nature had been slowly perishing. Now, he had learnt to show affection and empathy.
The great hall seemed more crowded with the Lords reuniting with their families after giving away their wealth and status. Some were weeping and after crying and sleeping on the floor, it seemed they had experienced great trauma in their life. Well, it was only the beginning.
They all stiffened as Prince Demian entered, his eyes gazing over them as coldly as ever. The sympathy he had earlier wasn't present in his deep blue eyes. He asked Alonzo as he placed his hands on his hips, "How are the things going here?"
Alonzo spoke from beside him as he placed his one hand on his chest, "Allow me give to you the full detailed report, Your Highness."
He called out captain Seniel who was writing on a large scroll and as soon as he heard his name, he came running in his armour. He kneeled on one of his legs, "Yes, Your Highness."
"Tell the detailed report of how much work have done here," Alonzo spoke.
"Yes, Your Highness." He remained on the the ground while his head hung low as he stated, "We have stored everything in the vault and taken the papers to another chamber. All the details of the lands had been placed on a scroll and have been written with detailed information. Half of the Lords have already arrived and the rest of them are waiting in queue."
Demian nodded, "Alright. How many days it would take to count all of their money?"
"Two days more, Your Highness."
"Excellent."
The captain bowed again as Demian moved around his eyes one more time. His men were well composed and handling the lords quite tactically. It was impressive and praiseworthy how years of training and discipline had made them in capable men. Quite capable hands he got there.
Demian looked down at Captain Seniel as he said, "Gather your best men, Captain who are best in both offense and defense." He pursed his lips and after a short pause he added, "Make sure they can handle unusual powers and are can make quick decision in a battle."
Captain Seniel tilted his head although he had no trace of emotions running on his face, his silent gaze said he had some questions.
Demian asked, "You have some questions, Captain Seniel?"
"Yes, Your Highness." He said as he stood up to leave, "Where shall I bring them?"
Demian cast him a smile as he said, "You will bring them in the study chamber of Lord Heartstone and immediately, captain, for we have no time in our hands."
He nodded as he left.
"Alonzo, You have a task to do." Demian said as Alonzo asked, "What is it, your Highness?"
"Bring the men of Lord Heartstone to the chamber."
Alonzo looked at him for a while as he could not understand what he wanted to do with them. He was certain, they had no use of him. Maybe he needed them for more information as he nodded, "Yes, Your Highness."
Alonzo stood there with a puffed chest as the Young Prince was becoming more and more like a worthy leader. Up until now, he had been reserved himself but now, he was taking matters in his hands. He was young but now he seemed more like a grown up leader who could lead his army.
"Alonzo," Demian called as he snapped out of his prideful moments, "You have one more task. A very important one."
Alonzo asked enthusiastically as he would do anything for the young Prince and by now he had grown a faith on him, "What is it, Your Highness?"
"I see, they have some expensive accessories still in their hands."
Alonzo blinked and followed the young Prince's eyes which settled on the women and children's accessories.
"Err... But, Your Highness, you... You honestly, wouldn't want that, would you?"
"Wouldn't what?"
"But wouldn't that be callous to take everything from their women as well?"
Demian slowly tilted his head toward Alonzo and his cold gazes said he was being serious. "Well, when I said, take everything from them, I meant everything..."
The old steward's lips parted and he went still as how wrong he was to think his cruel nature was perishing. It was quite the opposite, apparently. He was becoming more vile than he thought.
Demian crossed his hands above his chest as he shot daggers at him and asked, "Alonzo?"
"Yes, Your Highnes?" The old steward mumbled weakly as he had never done vile things apart from the ones Prince Demian had ordered, that is.
"What are you waiting for? Get the work done, immediately!"
"Yes, Your Highness!"
*****
The men had appeared in the study chamber of Lord Heartstone. It was as decorated as the whole palace. Hard wooden deck, antique pieces of ancient times and fine tapestries hung on the walls. Everything was cleaned and neatly placed on its places. It seemed Lord Heartstone loved his palace dust proof.
Captain Seniel, General Mifaso, Knight Reginald Bertrand and a few of the Dragon's Guards entered as they saw Prince Demian was standing near the large window and his eyes watched further at a distance. It was no doubt, thoughts were racing in his head like horses as he didn't even flinched as they entered with their armour clanking as they collided against each other. As they all kneeled on their one legs, Demian turned around at the sound of metals.
Demian watched the men and a smile spread across over his lips as he found the familiar guards who had experience against the wizards. Reginald and his two men were the ones who saved them in Rockmond market. Gregor and his three men fought against dark wizards while they were attacked in the dragon forest after leaving the hidden valley. It was no doubt, Captain Seniel was an excellent soldier who was good at making quick decisions.
"Excellent. Raise, men." He smiled as his eyes intensified. The men stood up and they had the same glint in their eyes and no one had a trace of fear and doubts. They stood strong and unafraid of the situation.
"You have been called here for a very important mission." Demian washed over his eyes to watch their hard faces but it seemed they were already prepared. "And let me warn you, it wouldn't be an easy one as it was before. The enemy might be ten times stronger this time and they may-" Demian paused as he corrected his statemen, "-no, they will come at us with the intent of killing. There would be no holes, no openings and no weaknesses that would give you a chance to strike at them. You may loose your life or you may loose your hands."
Demian tried to find hesitation in their posture but there wasn't any as he added, "So, before going with me, are you prepared to die?"
The men said in unison, "Yes, Your Highness!" Determination danced on their harsh eyes as they seemed prepared of any trouble that would come on their way.
Demian nodded, "We shall discuss how we will invade their ship."
After some time as he had done explaining and the men carved everything in their mind, they nodded. All of them engaged in a battle formation as each one of them shared their experience of the wizards they had fought. Demian noted every details and planned every steps accordingly as no one knew what would be their powers like. It could be anything but they had to take measurements before that as they could not trouble to take many soldiers with them.
A knock came as Demian said, "Enter, Alonzo."
Alonzo entered and after him stood four men of Lord Heartstone. Demian's lips curled up as the men went rigid especially after seeing the strong appearances of the Dragon Guards around the room. The stood with an endangering aura that said they would not hesitate to rip off their throats with bare hands.
Alonzo closed the door behind him as he came and stood beside the prince while the four knights of Lord Heartstone stood before Demian, questions forming on their minds.
"Well, I have called you all for a very particular reason." Demian started, "You may haven't sworn to obey me nor did you pledged anything for me."
Demian's face darkened as his hard stare became more threatening and it was undeniable that he held intimidating power that they felt to bow before him immediately. The four knights had expected to have executed yet they were surprised when they were invited in Lord Heartstone's chamber. As they were released they saw how the heartless prince had captured everyone and had occupied everything under his command.
"Because of your cowardice acts, this city turned to ruins," their faces hung low as they had already known. But why was he telling them the obvious? Was this his way of punishment? They were already ashamed of what they had done and Princess Seraphina had already knocked the senses into their heads.
"But," The Young Prince added as his eyes softened and gathered the four men's attention, "You have pledged to protect this city of Rockdelia. Not only your Lord, but your city as well."
They could not understand what the devil before them was trying to imply as they exchanged looks among them.
He added, "Right now, the whole place may be under my command but this city still needs you more than me."
Prince Demian gave off a dangerous vibe but it wasn't of darkness that they had witnessed before but a vibe of fortitude. Strength of steel as they felt it within their bones.
"I will give you one last chance," the young Prince's eyes stared as if daring them to become fearless, "If you can protect it, now is your chance to show if, all of you are worthy of being called the knights of Rockdelia."
Fire ran through their veins as all of them stood straight, they chin held high as if the city of Rockdelia was calling them. They could hear their motherland crying in agonizing pain and their hair stood straight. "Yes, Your Highness!" They said in unison.
Demian nodded at their enthusiasm and beside him, Alonzo felt as if he would start crying at any moment. The Prince had truly became a leader. But of course, he would not fall under the impression that he had learnt to feel empathy.
"I would be departing tonight and I want the four of you to accompany me." Demian said as the men of Rockdelia present in the chamber nodded.
Alonzo snapped his neck at the Prince as one could wonder why hadn't his neck broken by the impact. "Wha- Pardon, Your Highness, but are you planning to go by yourself?" Alonzo asked his moustache gave a vigorous shake which said he would oppose the idea.
"I have to since it is a very critical situation."
"But why not send only your knights? You personally wouldn't have to go there." Alonzo retorted, "I'm certain, they are capable enough."
"Alonzo," Demian moved his intensified gaze at him, "I know they are capable enough but I have to go and I will go." Demian said stubbornly which made the old steward furious as he felt whistle coming out of his ears.
He added, "I will take them to company me. They will keep me safe. You don't have to worry about me."
Alonzo felt heat rising on his cheeks as he felt angry at the idea of Prince going with the knights of Rockdelia. What if they backstab him or worse, they could kill him as they were trained men. He knew the Dragons guards would be there to protect him but unfortunate things don't tell anyone before its arrival.
"I have already made a plan and I would like to discuss it with them." Demian stated as he dismissed him, "Now, you may go, Alonzo, and take care of the remaining tasks in the palace."
"That can wait-"
"Also," Demian didn't let him finished as he began, "You have a very important task."
Alonzo raised one of his brows, "And what might be it?"
"Be sure that Princess Seraphina, at any cost, doesn't leave the palace."
Ha! He had been expecting it to coming his way. But of course, he would never let the princess go to an enemy's den where the enemies were none but the wizards.
Captain Seniel looked at with a pair of wide gray-eyes as he asked, "Shall I accompany you, Your Highness?"
"You would be needed here, Captain Seniel."
"I can arrange someone to fill my place, if Your Highness wishes it." He said.
Demian shook his head as he said, "It would be best if you do what I have asked you to."
Captain Seniel nodded as the Young Prince ordered, "Now! Prepare yourselves and tell the men of Rockdelia of our plans accordingly."
Captain Seniel nodded and left immediately with others as Alonzo said, "I would not personally agree with this as they are wizards."
"I know."
"Then why are you going, Your Highness?" Alonzo tried his best to stop him from going, "You know the wizards are very dangerous and given in the situation, where they are involved in your previous attacks, I strongly advice against it."
"But, " Prince Demian looked at him with devilish smirk forming on his lips, "Do you think that would make me stop from going there?"
"No!"
"Exactly!"
Alonzo took grumpy steps as he neared the door for leaving, "Sometimes, I hate this stubbornness of yours." He mumbled, "Just like your father." And he left.