*This story is purely from my mind and I own the plot and the characters. If there are references towards other stories, it is purely accidental.*
Chapter one
The sun had let the first of its rays though the horizon as Zesos woke from his slumber and let out a yawn as he stretched his arms to start some circulation to them. He sat up and looked out of the glass-pane window to watch the suns light form new colors on the clouds. He had always loved watching the sunrise and was utterly fascinated with how the sky changed from a near-black shade of blue, to purple, then to pink, then to the light sky blue that stayed until the sun was to set. I wish there was a chance to let the sun reach further into this darkened kingdom. He thought to himself.
For eons, the sun had only reached to the outer wall of the Shadow Kingdom because of the travesties that the kingdom had in its past. The Shadow Kingdom was well known for its highly skilled assassins and its uses of the Exiled Passions. The people of the kingdom had immersed themselves so deeply into the Exiled Passions that they themselves were called Exiles. The Passions were set to be unused by any hand due to the results of the Passions. Each Passion was meant to perform a certain set of actions to make a kingdom prosper and there were five total Passions: The Passion of Love, which was used to complete a marriage and keep the couple together as long as possible; The Passion of War, which allows and trains people to be soldiers for armies to defend the kingdom; The Passion of Peace, which teaches diplomacy, thus creating ambassadors and negotiators; The Passion of Life, which formed the churches and the healers of the kingdoms; and lastly, The Passion of Death, which is used to aid the dead in returning to the world of souls to find a home when they are of use, however it was also used to train the darkest form of a soldier: the assassins.
"Master Mardis?" a faint voice called from behind the oak door to his room. "Have you woken?"
"I'm awake," Zesos said, letting out a sigh. "I have been up since the sun set its first rays to the horizon."
"You have been up for a while then, my lord," the servant said as they entered the room carrying a tray of warm food. "The cooks have made grain porridge for you with some fresh yak milk mixed in."
"Yuck."
"Is this not to your liking?"
"Yak milk is full of needed nutrients, but it is disgusting when it's mixed like that."
"Shall I prepare you something else?"
"I'll eat it; I just can't guarantee that it'll stay in my stomach."
"I understand. I will notify the cooks that if they make you a light grain porridge again to not mix in the yak milk. What should be used in its place?"
"How about some goat or cow milk? Those tend to make it a little sweeter and give it more flavor."
"I will tell them, my lord."
Zesos watched as the servant left and looked at the bowl porridge and shuddered. I really hate yak milk. He thought. I know that it is healthy for me and it had been healing my body but, it shouldn't be mixed with grain porridge! Zesos let out another sigh and picked up the steaming bowl and its spoon. He grimaced and started to eat the goop slowly. As he ate the porridge, he could feel it trying to rise up from his stomach with each bite. He let out a sickened groan and put the nearly empty bowl back on the tray that the servant brought in. He stood up and nearly fell over as his stomach churned with the porridge still trying to rise up.
"That stuff is so gross," he said holding his stomach. "Might as well head to the washing chamber and get cleaned up."
Zesos opened his door and nearly fell to the floor as he bumped into the cold steal of a chest plate. The guard that he bumped into caught him and helped Zesos steady himself.
"Forgive me my liege," the guard said. "I didn't mean to run into you, but I was asked to tell you that your father and elder brother will be returning in a few hours."
Zesos shot his head up to look at the guard and started to shake. If father is coming home with my brother at his side, I'm going to be in a world of hell! He thought.
"Are you all right my liege?" the guard asked.
"Somewhat," he replied. "Just surprised that his father and brother are returning so soon, since the sun has just reached the horizon and they are already nearly here."
"They might be in a hurry. I was told by some of the scouts that they are moving quite fast for just a return."
"Could they have a follower that they want to loose or is someone injured?"
"The message didn't say."
Zesos let out a sigh and walked past the guard to the washing chamber. Normally, father and brother wouldn't come home at the same time, unless they have something planned for when they arrive. He thought as he opened the door to the chamber. The things that I can think of that would bring them home in such haste is either to tell the kingdom of war, victory, an ambassador, the death of father, the death of my brother, or something dealing with mother. It can't be the day of birth for her, that's not for another four months and, they wouldn't come home in such haste if it was my day of birth because they care so little for me; and they always celebrate my brothers date of birth before he goes away from the kingdom if his date of birth falls in the time he is a way. Zesos walked into the lavender scented room and started to remove his bed clothes. He had just taken off his shirt when he heard the door open behind him and he jumped slightly as he turned around. Standing in the doorway was his mother, and two of her female aids. His mother wore a dark blue dress that fluttered in the wind as she walked and had her ebony-black hair tied in a bun and held in place by a jasper hair-pin. The servants were dressed in white shirts with a black vest over it and long black skirts.
"Why so jumpy my son?" his mother asked calmly. "Is it so surprising that I am here?"
"It's only a surprise when one is unaware of what is happening," Zesos said calmly as he gave a small bow. "I am honored that my mother has taken her time to see me."
As Zesos stood straightly, he could see sadness in his mothers face at what he had said and she waved her aids out the door. When the servants had left, shutting the door behind them, his mother walked up to him and gave him a warm hug.
"You are my son," she said sadly. "Not a slave."
"According to my father, I am nothing more than a tool to be used as he wishes." Zesos retorted.
"Your father does not think that in the slightest!"
"Maybe not when it comes to my brother! Have you ever once seen father yell at Dren, even when he has done something wrong?"
His mother took a few steps back in fear at the anger that was shown in the words that Zesos had spoken. She looked down in dismay and shook her head. She knew full well that the King only favored Dren, his eldest son.
"You are the only one that truly tries to show love to me, mother," Zesos said sadly. "Only you mother, but you do it so quietly that people think that there is a different love between you and I. I am your blood child yet they think I am a lover."
"They only believe that because they do not want to accept that you are also my son. I wish to show my love to you without having to hide it from your father."
"You only hide it because he is not my real father. My true father has yet to be seen by these eyes and I have asked you several times about him, yet you tell me nothing."
After a long pause of silence between them, his mother spoke and said: "Your true father was never part of this kingdom."
"Then where is my father?" Zesos asked confused.
"He is in a place where very few can go. I will tell you more when the king and Dren have set to their private matters later tonight. For now, act as if there is no change in your heart."
Zesos nodded and watched as his mother left the washing chamber. When the door had shut behind her, Zesos fell to the floor. My father has never been part this kingdom? He asked himself. How can that be? If my father has never been part of this kingdom, then how is it that my mother birthed me? She has never once left the kingdom and she has never once stepped into the prisons that the king has placed in this city. Zesos sighed, stood and removed the remainder of his clothes, then stepped into the warm water in the marble tub. I wonder what kind of person my true father is.
"My lord?" a faint voice called from the other side of the door.
"What is it?" Zesos said calmly.
"The carriage that has his majesty and the prince is about to arrive. I also have your fresh clothes for today."
"Very well, you may bring them in and prepare a towel for me."
The door opened and a servant with a small pile of clothes walked in. The servant was a young boy, who was dressed in freshly made clothes, signifying that he had just started to work in the palace. The boy placed the clothes on a small stand next to the tub and went to the far closet and pulled out a towel. The boy walked back to Zesos and unfolded the towel to let Zesos dry off.
"Refold it and place it next to the clothes, then leave," Zesos said to the boy.
The boy nodded, refolded the towel, placed it next to the dry clothes and left the room quietly. Zesos smirked as the door shut and when it was completely closed, he laughed.
"I haven't had someone listen to me that well in a while," he said smiling. "That was funny."
Zesos got out of the water and grabbed the towel. He sighed and tried to straighten himself before he started to wipe off the droplets of water on his skin. He got all the water off and started to get dressed. The clothes were a blue like his mothers dress, but there was a golden trim lining on them. He had gotten on the pants and shirt as a knock hit the door.
"I'm out of the water and nearly dressed," Zesos said.
He heard the door open and turned around. In the doorway stood a tall boy with deep green eyes and was dressed in a crimson coat, and black pants with shiny black shoes. The boy's hair was a dull blonde and wore a smirk on his face.
"Hello Dren," Zesos said calmly, trying not to show any anger. "How was your trip?"
"Boring," Dren said with a small sigh as he walked in. "Did you enjoy the time without me and father around?"
"I enjoyed the silence that came with it. I was finally able to get through a book without interruption, for once."
Dren cocked an eyebrow and stared at Zesos for a short time. Zesos held Dren's gaze until Dren shut his eyes and straightened out. Dren shrugged as he let out a sigh and turned to leave.
"Oh," Dren said stopping before he got out of the door. "Father wants to see you when you are fully dressed. He didn't specify what it was that he wanted, but he insisted that you be there, mother and I as well."
"I will be there," Zesos replied.
Dren left and shut the door. What would the King want to say to mother, me and Dren? Zesos asked mentally. Could it be the reason he hurried back here so fast? Zesos grabbed his coat and looked at it before he put it on. The coat was different then what he normally wore. This coat was a dark blue, almost black, had a hood and a symbol on its back that he had only seen in his dreams as a child, but was unknown in all history texts. He shrugged and put it on. I'm guessing that mother had this made of me. He thought. She is very good at this kind of stuff. I just hope this hood covers the symbol. The king would be angry if he saw it. As Zesos had hoped, the hood covered the symbol on his back and as he looked in the mirror of the chamber, he saw the same symbol embroidered on the front above his heart. It's not that visible at first glance. He thought. Lucky me. Zesos walked out of the washing chamber and went to the throne room. When he had arrived, he saw that the entire council of the courts was there and the king, Dren, and his mother were seated in the thrones. Zesos walked up to the throne next to his mother and sat down calmly. Zesos watched as the king looked around at everyone there and Zesos noticed that the king was wearing the same colors as Dren. Zesos sighed and leaned toward his mother.
"What is going on?" he whispered to her.
"The king is going to make a formal announcement," she replied. "I'm not sure what it is about."
Zesos nodded and waited for the king to speak.
"My people," the king said, his voice echoing through the room. "Today is a momentous day. On this day, I bring word that we have an heir to my lineage and a friendship to a nation that was once our enemy."
Zesos sat up a little straighter to hear the king better as he continued.
"I am pleased to say that the Kingdom of Li' Ti has surrendered to us and has agreed to have my eldest son wed their princess for peace."
Oh great. Zesos thought irritated. As if Dren didn't have enough to brag about in the kingdom. The princess of Li' Ti is a beauty, there is no mistaking that, but Dren already has enough women to last him for the rest of his life; most of which came from small lordships that surrendered to the king so that they wouldn't get annihilated. Zesos let out an irritated sigh and looked at the king for him to continue.
"I will also say that my son has a child due in time as well."
Zesos heard some of the council gasp in surprise and groaned. He looked at his mother and saw her let out a small sigh and she looked at Zesos with worry. Zesos nodded and they both looked back at the king.
"I command a banquet in honor of this day!" the king said and the whole room was full of cheering and congratulations to Dren on becoming a father.
Zesos got up and walked to Dren and said, "I pray you are a kind father to your children Dren. May they live long and healthy through your guidance."
"Thank you little brother," Dren said and Zesos walked off.
Zesos walked out of the trone room and went to the library on the opposite end of the palace; at least there he knew he could have some quiet. He walked into the room and let out a relieved sigh; there was no one in the library and he went to grab a few books. The library had every book ever made in the kingdom and copies of the books that were made in the areas that the king had taken over. He took a small pile of books he had yet to read to a chair in front of the main fireplace in the library and sat down. He had just opened the book when he heard to door to the library open and sighed. I barely get started and there is already someone who wants to disturb me. He thought as he shut to book and turned to see who walked through the door. He grimaced slightly as he saw the king walk up to him and sit in the chair diagonal to him. Zesos sighed and set the book on the pile and waited patiently.
"I see I have interrupted you again," he said calmly. "I do apologize for that."
"It is an honor to have this visit, my liege," Zesos said trying to remain calm. "What do I owe to this visit?"
"For starters, you can stop being formal and use my name."
"According to the people, that is your name, unless you wish me to say something else."
"First and foremost I am your father, even if you are not my blood child."
Zesos paused and stared at him pretending to be confused and said, "You are not my blood father?"
"No, I have never been your blood father. You were yet to be born when I married your mother. She was in the same place as the princess of Li' Ti. Her father removed the marriage she was with to another so that she could bring about a peace to this kingdom, destroying the treaty to the kingdom in which she was originally part of. Before my wedding to her, I went to the king of her previous husband and asked for a treaty to us. They wondered why and my answer was simple, she had the son to their prince in her womb. They sent one of their medical to examine her and found what I said to be true and they made a deal. If I vowed to take care of their child, they would be an ally, but once my son had a child of his own, I would have to tell her child of their true origins."
Zesos looked at the ground in true astonishment and asked, "Who were the people that my mother was originally bound to?"
"They were unlike any people I had seen, but I had read books on whom they were. They were, and still are called, the Senri."
"Who are they?"
"They Senri are the origin of all that is timeless. They guard and covet the World of the Souls."
"They are Soul Keepers?"
"That is correct. This kingdom was once called 'The Valley of Hope' and was so called until my father took your mother from her marriage to the prince of the Senri, then we were dubbed the Shadow Kingdom and cursed to forever be without the warmth of the sun, until they received her child at the day of my loss."
"What does that mean? What loss?"
"The day I see my son become a father and lose the faith of a child I only raised."
"I was beginning to wonder who it would be to tell him all of that," someone said out of the shadows.
Zesos turned and saw his mother walk into the light with a man in pure white clothes next to her. The man bowed to Zesos and the king and as he rose, Zesos saw the same symbol that was on his coat, embroidered on the guests coat, as well as a medallion with the same around his neck.
"I am Teliuer," he said calmly. "I have come for the boy."
"As I assumed, you were aware of the offspring of my son."
"That is correct. The princesses servant has been a dear friend to us and she has been with princess Riay since her marriage to our prince."
"I have kept my vow."
"That you have and I also bring a message from my leader. He is still willing to be your ally since the servant is from our kingdom, though you must instruct your son to be gentle with our kind, even if the child is only half."
The king nodded and looked at Zesos. Zesos could see a faint sadness present as the king stood and left the room leaving Teliuer, Zesos and his mother in the room.
"Now then," Teliuer said looking at Zesos. "Are you ready to come home?"
