Chapter 1: The Duke

Kingdom of Grannvale, Outside Friege, 761

The fields surrounding the city were lush and green. The wars that had plagued the continent seemed distant and remote in this quiet place. Bloom was hunting, alone. The luxury of solitude was not something he commonly had, but with everyone focused on the conflict in the east, nobody had time to care what the first son of Friege was doing to occupy his time.

Sigurd, Bloom thought to himself as he prepared to shoot a pheasant, what on earth possessed him to rebel? Bloom was close in age to the heir of Chalphy, but he had never really befriended him. Sigurd typically preferred to associate with foreigners; his best friends were from Agustria and Leinster. No one ever thought this was an indication that his family was planning treachery, however. Why would he attack with such haphazard forces? It just doesn't make sense. He has no chance of success. Blume launched his arrow and missed. The stupid bird raised its head and looked around, but did not flee. Perhaps he counted on more support from Leinster, but they could never risk sending the bulk of their troops against Grannvale so long as Thracia harrowed their boarder. He readied another arrow. I wonder how much support Leinster has given the rebels. We might end up being forced to invade them. First Isaach then Verdane and Agustria, we'll end up owning the whole bloody continent because of this war. Bloom couldn't decide whether or not that was a good thing. He launched his second arrow and hit the bird.

After retrieving the carcass and placing it on his saddle bag with several others, he noticed a company of soldiers approaching him from the castle. Judging by the emblem on their flags, they were from Velthomer. He climbed onto his horse and rode out to meet them.

"Greetings," he called. "To whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?"

An aging man in armour led the group. He got off his horse and bowed before Bloom. "My name is Cowen. I am here to bring you sad tidings."

Bloom also dismounted. "What? Surely Sigurd did not defeat our forces in the east?"

"No, he got close to Barhara, but ultimately he was defeated. It seems his father managed to deliver to him the holy sword Tyfring before dying."

"Lord Byron is also dead?" What will happen to Chalphy's lands now? I know Sigurd has a sister, but she married the prince of Leinster. Could the king promote someone to hold the lands? Someone without holy blood?

"Yes. The conflict with Sigurd's army was unexpectedly bloody. Many nobles have perished, including your father."

The man's words hit Bloom like a hammer. He stumbled slightly and had to grip his horse to remain standing. "My…my father. He is dead? You are sure?"

Cowen nodded. "Yes. His body should arrive in a few days."

Bloom had never considered this a possibility. He had known his father was going to war, but he carried the divine Mjolnir. It was inconceivable that Reptor would actually die. Could actually die.

"What…other casualties are there?"

"Lord Langbolt was also killed."

Bloom waved his hand. "I already knew that. What of Alvis? Did he survive?"

Cowen nodded again. "Yes. Lord Alvis felled Sigurd himself, and ended the conflict. On a slightly happier note, we've found your sister."

"Tailtyu!? Where is she?"

"She was discovered among the ranks of Sigurd's rebels."

"That's not possible. She must have been a hostage."

Cowen shook his head. "No. She was fighting by their side. Witnesses even say she attacked lord Reptor herself."

"My sister…was a rebel? How? Why?"

"We're not sure, yet. She wasn't quite forthcoming with information, at least when I left."

"What will happen to her?"

"That will depend on you. You're lord of Friege now. You will have to discuss the matter with Lord Alvis."

"Alvis? Why Alvis?"

"With your father gone and the king in ill health, he's the one in charge of things in."

"I see….Ex…excuse me for a moment." Bloom walked away from Cowen and his soldiers. He looked at the city of Friege, standing at the top of a hill in the distance. The prince, Langbolt, Byron, Ring and my father…All dead. An entire generation of nobles, all wiped out within the span of three years. I'm one of the most powerful men on the continent now. What on earth am I meant to do?

He stood staring at his ancestral home for several minutes. Eventually, one of the soldiers approached him to see if he's alright. "Is there anything we can do for you?" the soldier asked.

Bloom turned around and smiled. He placed a hand on the man's shoulder. "Yes. You must all return with me to my city. We will have to feast. Today is a sad day for me indeed, but it is also a day of rejoicing. The wars are finally over, and by Tordo's blessing, the land shall know peace for many years to come.

Kingdom of Grannvale, Friege, 761

Duke Reptor's body arrived a few days later. It was laid to rest for several nights at the center of Friege. The sight of his father shocked Bloom. He had always looked old, even when Bloom was a child. Now, he looked ancient. He was adorned in a large suit of armour Bloom had never seen before. Between his folded arms lay the divine tome, Mjolnir. The monocle he always wore had been removed, allowing his eyes to close. He didn't look to be at peace, nor did he look particularly restless. He just looked...empty.

"Brother." A voice broke the silence of the dark and empty room. He looked up. His sister Ethnia was standing by the door. Clutching the door frame, as if afraid to enter. He beckoned her in and wrapped her in an embrace. Together, they looked down on the wrinkled visage of their father. "What happened?" she asked. It had been a few days since they had last spoken.

"He was killed," Bloom said. "Killed by the rebels."

"They're saying Tailtyu killed him. That can't be true? Can it?"

"I don't know," Bloom admitted. "All we know for sure is that she was there."

"I met him once," said Ethnia. "Sigurd. He played with me, even though he was too old for the games I wanted to play. He seemed so kind and just. Why would he rebel? Why would he cause this bloodshed?"

Bloom shook his head. "I've wondered that myself. It must have been because of his father. Lord Byron killed the prince. The only thing that makes sense is that Sigurd was just fighting to preserve his honour."

"Oh, brother!" Ethinia buried her face in Bloom's chest. "What are we going to do?"

With his free hand, he reached out and picked up Mjolnir. He wasn't sure if he was allowed. Maybe it was meant to remain with the body until it was ready to be buried. The apprehension he felt disappeared as soon as held the book, however. A power deep inside him awoke. For the first time he felt like the Duke of Friege, and not merely an heir. Mjolnir was his. He was the only one in the world who could use it. A century of heritage now rested upon his shoulders. His father was dead. No longer right in everything he said and did because he was the duke. Now, it was Bloom's turn to pave the way. His opinion was equal to that of his fathers. He would have to decide what was best for Friege.

"I was always afraid of him," Ethnia said, looking down at Reptor again now. "He always seemed so stern and angry."

"I admired him," Bloom said. "He seemed so powerful and wise. But now, looking back, I realise he was too distant. I craved his praise, but he never had time for me. He was always so busy serving the royal family."

"He did a lot of good work."

"Maybe. But if he was truly as great as I thought he was, then he wouldn't have let this happen. He would have discovered Byron and Ring's treachery before it happened."

Ethnia sniffled slightly. "I guess he was only human in the end."

"No," said Bloom. "We are descendants of the crusaders. We possess the blood of gods. We must be more than human. I swear to you here, dear sister, before our departed father and upon to book of Mjolnir itself, I shall not make the same mistakes as him. I will protect this family and this house." He laid a hand on the side of the coffin. "Tailtyu is being held at Barhara. Duke Alvis and I must discuss what is to be done with her."

"What is to be done with her? Bloom, brother, you must bring her back to us. Even if she's a rebel, you can't let her rot in a cell."

"Like I said, I will protect our family, first and foremost, above all else." He placed his hand on Ethnia's shoulder. "I plan to leave at once. You are in charge of the funeral arrangements and protection of Friege. Give father all the respects he deserves. I wish I could be there, but our sister needs me."

Kingdom of Grannvale, Barhara, 761

Barhara was in chaos when Bloom finally arrived. People ran to and fro, busy trying to accomplish a thousand different tasks. Although he had sent word ahead, there was nobody there to meet him. He felt slightly jilted, but quickly recovered when he noticed people treating him differently. They called him Duke or Lord and looked at him with an inherent level of respect.

It wasn't long before he discovered the source of the chaos. Not only had they recently weathered the rebel attack, but the king had only just passed away from illness. Bloom was brought to an empty audience chamber where a priest also waited. "What are you here for?" the priest asked, seemingly not noticing or not caring who Bloom was.

"My sister, she fought with the rebels."

The priest nodded. "We're in the same boat then. My lord, Claud, fought with them."

"You mean the Duke of Edda?" Bloom sat up straight.

"The very one." The priest offered his hand. "The name's Rodan."

He shook the man's hand. "Bloom," he paused, and then added, "Duke of Friege."

Rodan bowed his head. "I'm sorry for your loss. I never met your father, but by all reports he was a strong and capable ruler."

Was he? Bloom thought, not for the first time. Then why was there a bloody rebellion?

"Would you," Rohan hesitated, "would you happen to have Mjolnir on you right now?"

Bloom smiled. "Of course. You think I'd go anywhere without it, now that it's mine?"

"Could I, maybe, see it?"

The book was strapped tightly to Bloom in a specially made harness. He removed it from beneath his cloak and put it on display in his hands. Rodan slowly reached out and touched it. Bloom was aware of how unorthodox it was to show the weapon off on request, but he was also sure this priest would be unable to take if from him by force.

"It's beautiful," Rodan muttered. "This is the first of them I've ever seen. But I suppose I shall see Valkyrie soon, once I get back Lord Claud's body." He looked up. "Are you here to bring back a prisoner, or a body?"

Bloom's heart jolted. He had never even considered the possibility that Tailtyu could have died. Could even be dead now. Executed for her crimes. "A prisoner...I think. I hope."

"Ah. How I envy you. Lord Claud fell in battle."

"I can't believe the Duke of Edda allied himself with the rebels. He was a holy man."

Rodan nodded. "We've known for a long time now. We offered to have Edda itself assist him, but he turned us down. Didn't want to risk the lives of its citizens."

Did this man just confess to attempted treason, Bloom wondered. Just for the sake of their duke? I wonder if I could summon such dedication from my people.

Almost subconsciously, Bloom stroked the binding of Mjolnir. "Sigurd, with the divine Tyfring. Claud, with holy Valkyrie. His friend Quan, with the Gae Bolg. And possibly the heir of Sileese with Forseti. No wonder they managed to do so much damage. Imagine if Eldigan and Agustria also managed to join their cause, before my father put a stop to them."

"That's not even all of them," Rodan said. "I've been here several days now. I've heard all the rumours. They say the lost daughter of Jungby was there too, using the holy bow Yewfelle."

"I'd believe it." Bloom thought back to when this whole mess started. When the other daughter of Jungby had been kidnapped by Verdane bandits and Sigurd took it upon himself to invade the neighbouring country. He never asked me for assistance. Did he think I wouldn't help? Or did he think someone needed to stay to defend the motherland while our parents were away? He should have at least told me what he was doing.

"Ah. Seems they're finally ready for me," Rodan said. "If you see lord Alvis, give him my regards." Rodan departed, leaving Bloom alone with his thoughts.

It's just as well that Sigurd never asked for my help, he thought. I could well be in Tailtyu's place right now. Or worse. He shuddered at the thought. How had things grown so complex? When did all this infighting start? Why had his sister fought against his father? Andorey against his sisters? Langbolt against his son? Alvis against his brother? They were family. They were all nobles of Grannvale. We should have been united. How did it come to this?

Eventually, he was taken out of the room and brought before Duke Alvis. He expected their meeting to take place in an audience chamber, like the one he waited in, but, instead, Alvis talked to him as they briskly walked through a series of corridors, stopping along the way to address some issue or problem the various staff of the castle had. Alvis had taken on the responsibilities of a duke at a young age, so even though he was a peer of Bloom's, he always seemed more mature, more sure of himself. Now, however, there was a completely different air about him. He didn't just seem like an adult, he seemed like a true leader. In a strange way, he almost reminded Bloom of Reptor.

"Duke Bloom," Alvis said, "it's very good to have you with us. I apologize for letting you wait so long. A man of your standing should have been seen immediately."

"I do not wish to waste your time," Bloom said. "Evidently, you are very busy with the succession crisis. Just hand over my sister to me and I shall be on my way."

"There is no succession crisis," Alvis informed him. "I am to become king."

"You?" It made sense, Alvis seemed to be running the place already, but part of Bloom was annoyed. Alvis had no more standing than himself. "You lack the blood of Naga. Even if the king died childless, there must be other people with Naga's blood."

"The king has a granddaughter," Alvis said. "We have married. Would you like to meet her?"

Alvis was walking more swiftly now; Bloom struggled to keep up. "But the prince never married."

"No, but she has the mark of Naga. And as you said yourself, that's all that matters."

Kurth had a bastard child? Of all the nobles in the kingdom, he was the last I would have suspected of such a thing.

"I must say Alvis, this is all rather sudden. I'm a duke, I should have been informed."

"Your father was informed," Alvis told him. "As you can see, things have been hectic around here, thanks to the insurgents. But that's all over now. It's time to move forward." Alvis suddenly stopped and looked at Bloom properly for the first time. "Chalphy, Edda, Jungby have all been left without heirs and the new duke of Dozel is still subduing Isaach. It's just you and I, Bloom. There were many witnesses, but you can still contest King Azmur's dying wish if you choose to." He put his hand on Bloom's shoulder. "I ask you, as friend, do not. Grannvale needs to heal from this ceaseless conflict that has plagued us. We've been left hollow, our lands extended, but our leadership eradicated. I promise you, I can lead our country into an age of prosperity, but only with your help. Do I have it?"

Bloom hesitated. "You say it is only you and I, but what about this princess? Why can she not become queen?"

Alvis smiled. "How progressive of you."

Bloom scoffed. "Three of the crusaders were women. If they were good enough for the gods, then they should be good enough for us."

"As I know well, Fala is my ancestor, after all. I agree with you, Deirdre should become queen by all rights. But she simply doesn't have it in her. Here, see for yourself."

Alvis opened the door that they had stopped at. Inside was a room that looked very comfortable. The cold stone walls that filled the other rooms of the castle, were covered with carpets and drapes. A large bed lay at the end of the room. Sitting on it was a beautiful young woman with silver hair, not too unlike his own. She looked up in shock as they entered and retreated back onto the bed slightly. Alvis was right. This girl didn't have it in her to be a queen. She was fragile, delicate and so very, very afraid.

Alvis walked over to her slowly and whispered something to her. He knelt down on one knee, looking partly like a prince before a princess, and partly like a father before a daughter. Something about his manner had changed the moment he entered the room. The selfassured confidence was replaced by an aura of gentleness and love. It was clear this marriage wasn't a political gambit on his part. The look in his eyes proved that he adored the woman before him.

Alvis took her hand and they both stood up. "Deirdre," said Alvis, "this is the Duke of Friege, Bloom. He is a very important man."

Deirdre bowed. "Thank you for your service to our country," she said in a quiet, almost inaudible voice. When she had completed her bow, she maneuverered herself so that she was standing behind Alvis, almost as if asking for his protection.

"I hear you recently lost your grandfather," said Bloom. "My condolences. I am still mourning the death of my own father."

She looked away. "I knew him only a short time, but my grandfather was a good man. I loved him dearly."

"Many of us have lost family in the past few weeks. I confess, I am almost jealous of Lord Alvis for expanding his. I wish you both a happy marriage."

Alvis smiled, slightly. "I'm sure we'll find a suitable wife for you in time, Bloom. Now that you are a duke, it is your duty to procreate. The blood of Tordo must be passed on."

"I'll see what I can do, but in all this talking, I've almost forgotten about the reason I originally came here. Where is my sister?"

Alvis sighed. "I was hoping to delay that discussion as soon as possible." He turned to his wife and took both her hands in his own. He sat her back down on the bed and kissed her forehead. "I will be back as soon as I can," he whispered. He stood up and walked away from her. "Come," he said to Bloom. "We will discuss your sister outside."

Just as he was about to leave, Deirdre's quite voice called out. "Si…sir Bloom."

Both Bloom and Alvis turned around. Alvis seemed shocked that his wife had spoken up.

"Did you…did you know that rebel? Sigurd?"

"A little," Bloom said.

"I…met him. Just once. He seemed to know me. And I felt I knew him."

"That's enough," Alvis interjected. "You're distressing yourself." Despite Alvis' words, the princess seemed calmer than before. He was the one that looked distressed.

"I killed him," she whispered.

"No!" Alvis said, sternly. "I killed him. I killed him for you. For us, for our future."

"But if not for me, he would have slain you," she said. "I killed him."

"I have an important matter to discuss with Lord Bloom. We'll talk later." He practically pushed Bloom out of the room and slammed the door shut.

"Was she on the battlefield?" Bloom asked.

Alvis faced the closed door, his fingers resting on it longingly. "Yes," he said. Bloom was surprised, he had expected Alvis to avoid the question. "It was…a mistake of mine. I was overconfident in our victory. Sigurd turned out to be more resilient than I expected." He turned away from the door and looked at Bloom. "But that's all in the past now. Sigurd is dead. Before we entered that room, I asked you for your support, and your friendship. I ask you again, Bloom, son of Reptor, can I depend on you to assist me rebuilding Grannvale?"

Alvis' face had reverted back to the firm and strong countenance he had before, but Bloom could not forget how he had looked in that room just seconds before. He also couldn't forget how Alvis had looked upon first entering the room either. There was a mystery here that Bloom had no answer to. A mystery as to why Sigurd rebelled, with the support of so many nobles. A mystery that involved Alvis and the newly discovered princess. But Alvis was right, Sigurd was dead, all that woe was in the past now. It didn't matter. What mattered was that he believed Alvis' words when he said he wanted to build a brighter future for them all. What's more, Alvis clearly believed in his own words, and that's all Bloom needed to swear fealty.

Bloom nodded. "I have your back, Alvis. Don't worry, no matter what."

Alvis smiled. "That's good to hear. Now, about your sister. I'm afraid we've lost her."

"You've lost her? What do you mean you've lost her?"

"She escaped. To where, we don't know, but we have one of two choices. The two countries that aided the rebellion against her."

"Leinster and Silesse."

Alvis nodded. "Conquering Silesse is outside our current capabilities, but we've already started drawing up plans to conquer Leinster. I want you to lead the invading force."