Disclaimer: I do not own KKM

Hi everyone, yeah I'm not dead. Sorry for the delay but with my dissertation and my final exams coming up I had to put work before pleasure. However, I have now finished University (yay!) so I should be able to update more frequently. I hope to have the next chapter for this to be out by the end of the week. Oh and I have renamed Alviss's horse form Hellfire to Zenith. Its still the same horse but with a different name.

Massive thank you to everyone who reads and reviews this story, your encouragement means a lot to me and I'm sorry again for keeping you waiting for so long.

Enjoy.

Chapter four: On the run

The sun shone down brightly lighting everything with its golden glow. Four figures on horseback walked through the green meadows. The only sound was the chirping of insects and birds mixed with the sound of creaking leather. Ryan tilted his head up and closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun's rays on his cheeks hoping it would wake him up a bit. Ever since the rush to escape the castle undetected last night none of them had slept. Ryan lowered his head and opened his eyes. Kirai was riding slightly ahead of them as he led the way to the Black Forest, on Ryan's left Alviss rode in silence while Elvira brought up the rear. Ryan flicked his eyes to Alviss's face but the water user gave nothing away. Ryan turned his gaze back to Kirai's back and settled deeper into the saddle with a soft groan. Ryan was used to riding but they had been riding hard since late last night and his legs were stiff and his butt sore. Ryan pushed the discomfort away and frowned as he remembered their escape.

-:-

Ryan had slipped past the guards easily enough, but then everyone thought that the threat would be coming from outside the castle walls not inside them. Not that Ryan was a threat to anyone except David of course. Once inside the stables Ryan slipped through the barn as quiet as a mouse. The strong smell of horses filled his nose and the half asleep horses put their heads over their stable doors wondering who their night time visitor was. The barn was almost pitch black but Ryan could have navigated his way through it blindfolded. He had been coming to these stables since he could walk. The stables formed an 'L' shape with rows of stalls on each side of the centre aisle which took a sharp turn to the right about 17 paces from the entrance. One thing Ryan had noticed about a stable full of horses was that it was never totally silent. Even now Ryan could hear content munching as horses finished off the last of their evening meal and the whisper and rustling of disturbed hay. Horses snorted gently at each other and whickered in greeting to their surprise visitor hoping he was bring them food.

Ryan ignored the inquisitive horses and rounded the bend to see his own mare, Snowfire, tacked and ready to go while Kirai saddled a black stallion. A single lamp cast a flickering yellow-orange glow over the worn stones that made up the floor and bounced off Snowfire's white coat making it seem almost gold in colour. The mare sensed her master's presence as she raised her head and whickered softly in greeting. Kirai glanced up sharply but when he saw who it was he relaxed and nodded.

"We need to tack two more horses." Ryan whispered as he moved towards where Alviss's horse, Zenith, was watching the activity with great interest.

"What do we need two more horses for?" Kirai hissed back as he finished tightening the black stallion's girth. The stallion was a new addition to the stable and Ryan didn't know its name. Ryan always made a point to greet every new horse that arrived in the stable so he guessed that this stallion must have arrived after he was taken.

"Alviss and Elvira are coming with us that's why." Ryan replied putting a head collar over Zenith's head and opening the stable door. The bay stallion walked out of his stable and stood quietly as Ryan tied the lead rope to a ring set into the stone wall beside the stallion's stable. Ryan glanced back at Kirai who was frowning at him.

"It will be hard enough sneaking the two of us and two horses out of the city with all the guards around. How do you expect us to do it with four horses?" Kirai asked his arms crossed over his chest. Ryan frowned realising that he hadn't thought of that.

"Alviss can manipulate water; he could create a water bridge for us which goes over the castle walls. All we need to do is ride over it." Ryan answered after a pause as he walked towards the tack room at the end of the stable. Kirai followed him as he entered the small cramped room. The smell of leather and polish was strong in here and it was completely dark as there were no windows. Kirai had had the sense to pick up the lamp before following Ryan and he now handed it to Ryan.

"Won't people see it?" Kirai asked referring to the water bridge as Ryan searched for Zenith's tack using the light from the lamp.

"Not if Alviss positions the bridge so it faces away from the town they won't." Ryan answered putting the lamp down on a wooden bench and heaving Zenith's heavy leather saddle into his arms before grabbing the bay's bridle. Kirai picked up the lamp and made to follow Ryan out of the tack room. Ryan turned back to Kirai. "Elvira's mare is called Frost her tack should be in here too." Kirai paused then turned away with a scowl. Ryan walked back to Zenith in the near darkness and hefted the saddle onto the bay's broad back with a grunt. Zenith tossed his head not sure what was going on but Ryan patted his neck and the stallion settled down again.

"I still think this is a bad idea," Kirai muttered as he walked out of the tack room carrying Frost's saddle and bridle with the lamp swinging from his hand. The flickering light caused shadows to leap and dance on the walls making the black stallion snort and roll his eyes.

"It's a good thing no one asked for your opinion then." A voice said making Ryan jump. Alviss stepped out of the shadows glaring with obvious dislike at Kirai who glared right back. Elvira was behind Alviss carrying a saddle bag.

"I'll get Frost," Elvira whispered before dropping the saddle bag on the ground and disappearing back around the corner. Ryan couldn't help but notice that Elvira looked surprisingly awake for someone who had been dragged out of bed late at night. At least Ryan assumed she had been in bed, it was about midnight after all. Alviss shot Kirai one last look before walking over to Ryan and Zenith. The bay stallion snorted in welcome upon seeing his rider and Alviss gave the horse a fond pat.

"Alviss," Ryan said, "We need you to create a water bridge facing away from the town so we can cross over the wall without being seen. Can you do it?" Alviss walked around behind Zenith and helped Ryan manoeuvre Zenith's saddle so it was sitting correctly across his back.

"Of course I can," Alviss replied with a smile and despite everything Ryan found himself blushing. He just hoped Alviss couldn't see his face that clearly in the half light of the stable. The sound of hooves on the stone floor made everyone look up as Elvira led Frost around the corner. The chestnut mare didn't like the idea of a midnight ride and she fought the lead rope flattening her ears back against her head.

"Come on you silly girl," Elvira muttered tugging on the lead rope. Frost snorted and rolled her eyes but allowed Elvira to tie her up without putting up much of a fight. Kirai handed Elvira Frost's tack, which he had been holding all this time; and Elvira took it from him without a word. Ryan glanced nervously between his four riding companions. The tension was so thick in the air he could almost taste it. The horses could sense it too as they shifted their weight from one leg to the other nervously, their ears flat against their heads.

"Alright everyone listen up," Ryan spoke up and everyone looked at him. Even the horses went quiet and pricked their ears. Ryan knew if he didn't say something now then this quest would be over before it even began. "I know there are trust issues between us," Kirai and Alviss eyeballed each other with mirrored distrust, "But if we are to stop David and put an end to whatever it is he is planning we need to work as a team. We won't be able to defeat anything if we are too busy fighting each other. So let's put the past behind us and work together to stop David ok?" Ryan looked from one face to the other eyes narrowed.

"The enemy of my enemy is my ally," Kirai spoke up looking at Ryan, "As long as you intend to fight David I will fight beside you."

"You're right Ryan we need to work together and start trusting each other," Elvira gave Kirai a pointed look and Kirai looked away scowling.

"But trust works both ways," Ryan reminded everyone glancing at Alviss. Alviss sighed and turned to finish buckling Zenith's girth strap before he replied.

"Fine," Alviss said shortly and Ryan sighed but knew that that was the best he was going to get out of Alviss at this point. Ryan glanced at Kirai who nodded.

"Right now lets get a move on we've been standing here jabbering away for far too long." Ryan said in an attempt to lighten the mood as he untied Snowfire and checked her tack to make sure it was on correctly. There was a flurry of activity as the other three completed saddling their horses preparing for the long ride ahead.

-:-

"Hey Ryan, do you have any idea what David is up to?" Alviss suddenly asked jolting Ryan out of his thoughts.

"Huh, what?" Ryan asked intelligently as he glanced back at Alviss. Alviss's lips twitched upwards in a smile as he repeated his question. "I'm not sure," Ryan frowned, "but I think he plans to wipe out the Mazoku race from this world." Alviss turned pale and Ryan heard Elvira gasp before she nudged Frost with her legs to ride alongside Snowfire.

"But how could he do that?" Elvira asked in confusion and Ryan shook his head.

"I don't know but Liam told me that there is an evil presence living in the Black Forest which is controlling David." Ryan noticed that Kirai was listening in on their conversation but he didn't say anything.

"Who is Liam?" Alviss asked and Ryan blinked in surprise.

"I haven't told you about him?" Alviss and Elvira shook their heads so Ryan launched into a short explanation of how Liam had been the last holder of the power he now carried inside him. When Ryan told them that Liam visited him in his dreams Alviss frowned. "What's wrong Alviss?"

"How do you know that this evil in the Forest didn't create Liam in order to influence you? Maybe the evil wants you to go to the forest so it can kill you." Alviss glanced at Ryan who was too surprised to answer at first. Ryan had never even considered Liam to be anything other than an ally. The idea that Liam may have been created to control his actions had never even occurred to him.

"I don't think that's true," Ryan said slowly, "I don't know why but I feel I can trust Liam. I don't believe he is a threat."

"I agree," Elvira nodded at Ryan, "I think we should trust this Liam character too. He might be able to help us find a way to defeat David and whatever it is that lurks in the Forest."

"Hey, don't you know anything about the Forest or what lives inside it?" Alviss called to Kirai who glanced back at them.

"I was never allowed to go into the Forest with David," Kirai answered turning back around so he wasn't looking at the other three.

"So you don't know anything about what lives in there?" Alviss pushed and Kirai glanced over his shoulder again with a scowl.

"No I do not."

"Huh, not much use then are you?" Alviss asked rather snidely and Kirai's face went slightly red. He jerked the reins back making the black stallion he was riding snort in surprise and stop suddenly.

"If you would prefer to find the Forest alone," Kirai snapped as he turned his stallion turned to face the others who also stopped.

"Maybe I would, it certainly would be safer without me having to watch you all the time waiting for you to stab us in the back." Alviss said as he reined Zenith to a halt. Kirai opened his mouth to reply but Ryan cut him off.

"Ok enough!" Ryan yelled causing both males to shut their mouths and glare at each other with hostility. "Didn't you listen to me last night?" Ryan asked in exasperation glancing from Mazoku to rider and back again. "We have to start trusting and working together if we are to defeat David!"

"He works for David how can you expect me to trust him?" Alviss exclaimed pointing a finger at Kirai who snarled.

"I never asked to be born the way I was!" Kirai snapped his ice blue eyes burning brightly. "I never got to live the pampered perfect little life you did!"

"What makes you think my life was pampered or prefect?" Alviss snarled his voice low. Ryan shot a worried look at Elvira. Elvira's eyes were wide and her face clearly read uh-oh. "I lost both of my parents when I was young and there was no one to look after me. I had to fight for everything I had and I would still be on the streets dressed in rags if the Maoh's sword master hadn't taken me in."

"Oh boo-hoo," Kirai said his voice heavy with sarcasm, "At least you weren't born a monster that people fear and you weren't beaten for making the slightest mistakes." Kirai's voice was bitter and suddenly Ryan thought that Kirai looked old. He looked world weary and tired as if he had lived far too long and just wanted it all to end. It brought up a rush of sympathy for the rider.

"People aren't born monsters, monsters are made." Alviss replied and Kirai scowled and would have replied but Ryan cut in again.

"Stop it the pair of you!"

"But Ryan –"

"No buts Alviss, this had gone on long enough." Ryan glared at Alviss then at Kirai who was breathing heavily his hands gripping the reins so tight his knuckles were white. Zenith had his ears back, his lip curled and his muscles bunched up. The black stallion had his head up in the air his eyes rolling backwards. Both horses could sense their rider's anger and were ready to attack at any moment. "Both of you need to stop leaping at each other's throats and calm down. We are on the same side for the Great One's sake!" Alviss opened his mouth to argue but a look from Ryan made him shut it and look away. Ryan looked from one to the other and took in the angry looks and heavy breathing and sighed.

"Ryan's right Alviss," Elvira suddenly spoke glancing at Alviss her blue eyes calm and soft. "I was with you when we tried to save Ryan remember? I know exactly how you feel but the fact is that we need Kirai." Elvira glanced at the rider who seemed to be composing himself again.

"We are wasting time," Kirai said and yanked his horse's head around and kicked him hard. The stallion jolted forward into a trot its movements jerky and stiff. Alviss kicked his horse, more gently than Kirai did, into a trot and followed after Kirai his face carefully schooled into a black mask. Ryan could see the inner turmoil behind the mask however and he sighed. Maybe I should have left Alviss back at the castle after all, Ryan thought miserably as he nudged Snowfire into a trot as well. The white and black mare stepped out fluidly without a single complaint and Ryan patted her neck, grateful that at least one of their number wasn't throwing a tantrum.

"Don't worry about Alviss," Elvira smiled in what she hoped was a comforting manner at Ryan as she trotted beside him. "He's just having a hard time accepting Kirai as part of the group. Especially since Kirai obviously likes you." Ryan almost fell of his horse as he whipped around to look at Elvira in horror.

"No he doesn't, what makes you think that?" Ryan spluttered but Elvira just smiled at him.

"Alviss has had your attention all to himself for most of your life; you can't blame him for being just a little jealous." Elvira smiled and clicked her tongue encouraging her reluctant mare to catch up to Alviss leaving Ryan alone with his thoughts. Ryan glanced at Kirai riding ahead of them as once again he remembered the events of the past night.

-:-

Sneaking around to the back of the castle with four horses had proved to be interesting to say the least. Snowfire's white coat shone like a beacon in the darkness even though there was no moon in the sky. Frost didn't help matters as she had decided that any late night activity must be a bad thing and was fighting Elvira every step of the way. Zenith and the black stallion kept making faces at each other and Zenith even tried to kick the black stallion at one point; causing Kirai to hiss 'can't you control your horse?' rudely at Alviss. Alviss didn't take very well to being told off by Kirai and Ryan felt it was only because a guard walked past their hiding place they didn't start an all out fight with each other.

After getting to the back of the castle Alviss began to concentrate. The hill that Blood Pledge Castle was built on had a sheer drop on this side so Alviss had to be careful he didn't make the bridge too steep or the horses would fall, but he couldn't make it too long otherwise he would find it difficult to hold it in place. As Alviss started to create the bridge Elvira, Ryan and Kirai mounted their horses. Kirai nudged his black stallion to stand beside Snowfire and Ryan cast his gaze towards the rider.

"What is it Kirai?"

"I want you to promise me something," Kirai said softly and Ryan frowned in confusion at the rider. He didn't notice Elvira glance over at them nor Alviss's shoulders tense. "Promise me that you will be careful?"

"What do you mean?" Ryan asked keeping his voice low. If they were discovered now the whole plan would be shot. If the ten nobles knew Ryan was directly disobeying their orders he would be in so much trouble no matter how noble the reason.

"David is powerful and don't forget his has Ashi with him." Kirai stared at Ryan with an intensity that sent shivers down Ryan's spine. "I know nothing I say will stop you from going, and I have no right to stop you, but just promise me you will be careful. Don't underestimate David or Ashi they will be doing everything they can to stop us or slow us down." Ryan was surprised by Kirai's sudden desire for him to be careful but he nodded anyway. Ryan turned his head to look at Alviss and saw his tight shoulders.

"Alviss if you can't make the bridge we can find another way out of the city." Ryan said thinking Alviss must be having difficulties summoning the amount of water they would require for this task.

"It's fine, I can do this." Alviss snapped and Ryan blinked surprised by Alviss's short tone. Ryan glanced at Elvira but she was staring at Kirai with a thoughtful look on her face. Ryan shrugged and put the unusual behaviour of his friends down to stress. After all, they were riding off into unknown territory to face an unknown and powerful enemy. Ryan knew that he was expected to defeat this enemy but he had no idea how to. True he had more control over his power than before but could he control it for long enough to take down whatever or whoever it was that lived in the Black Forest? What of the Forest itself? Liam said it's very ground had been poisoned, what would happened to them when they entered it? A soft blue glow snapped Ryan out of his worries as Alviss created a bridge of blue water over the castle wall and down the side. The water shimmered at first then hardened as Alviss forced the water molecules to bunch together to make the surface firm. It was an amazing sight to behold.

"Well done Alviss, I knew you could do it." Ryan smiled but Alviss ignored him which hurt.

"I will go last," Alviss said shortly concentrating on keeping the bridge solid. Ryan scrutinised Alviss for a moment but decided against saying anything.

"Then I will go first," Ryan said and nudged Snowfire with his legs. The mare stepped forward, hesitated at the bridge before stepping onto it. The bridge of water held firm and the mare stepped forward confidently.

"Hurry Ryan before someone finds us." Elvira hissed as Frost fought the reins wanting to go back to her nice warm stall. Ryan nudged his mare again and Snowfire picked up the pace. It was a strange experience going over the wall and down the other side on a shimmering blue semi-transparent surface. Ryan felt his stomach roll inside him as he looked at the long drop below him. Sensing his fear Snowfire flattened her ears against her head and sidestepped. Ryan pulled the reins and took a deep breath and forced his nerves to settle down. Kirai was just behind him so Ryan kicked Snowfire a little more forcibly and the mare tossed her head and started down the bridge again.

Snowfire reached the end of the bridge in less than a minute and Ryan smiled as he felt the mare sigh as if relieved to have solid ground beneath her hooves once again. Kirai was just behind him and the black stallion walked over the water bridge without flinching once. Kirai patted the stallion as he reached the end of the bridge and stood next to Snowfire. The stallion flicked his tail as if to say 'that was nothing'. Ryan glanced up the bridge and sighed as he noticed Elvira fighting with Frost. Frost was a beautiful mare but she was also head strong and stubborn. She did not want to walk down the strange bridge that had appeared before her and nothing was going to make her. Alviss was just behind Elvira using Zenith's large bulk to force the smaller mare to move forward.

"I think you are very brave," Kirai said and Ryan gazed at him, "To be willing to fight against David and Ashi without being ordered to."

"In that case you are brave too." Ryan smiled but Kirai shook his head.

"This is something I have to do myself."

"Well it is the same for me," Ryan said still smiling, "I am the only one who can stop David from destroying my race. My parents always told me that I can not run from my responsibility; that as a Prince there are certain thing my people expect from me, facing danger in order to protect them is one of those things." Kirai glanced over at Ryan, he sat tall and confident in the saddle his eyes strong and clear. Then Ryan ruined the moment by giggling and rubbing the back of his neck in a sheepish gesture he had inherited from his father. "Besides, I would rather ride naked into the Black Forest armed with a spoon then face the ten nobles' wrath after disobeying a direct order from them."

"Indeed," Kirai seemed to be processing this image mentally which made Ryan blush hotly as the other two finally made it down the bridge. Frost was rolling her eyes and dancing on her hooves while Zenith nipped at her behind as if to say 'hurry up and stop being such a drama queen.' Alviss was pale and sweating as he rode down the bridge and onto the ground and Ryan felt a wave of concern rush through him.

"Alviss are you alright?" Ryan asked leaning forward in his saddle and Alviss nodded.

"I will be in a minute," Alviss looked back at the bridge and closed his eyes. The bridge seemed to hang in midair for a moment before it vanished, turning into thousands of drops of water that fell gracefully to the ground with a light patter. "Phew that was hard work," Alviss gasped wiping sweat from his brow. Ryan paused then an idea came to him. He kicked Snowfire forward until he was alongside Zenith. Alviss glanced at him in surprise as Ryan reached out and put his hand against Alviss's face. "What are you doing Ryan?"

"Just sit still," Ryan replied softly as he closed his eyes. He felt his power swell inside him and his arm tingled. He heard Alviss gasp softly as Ryan passed some of his energy to Alviss to restore what he had lost making and holding the bridge in place.

"What was that?" Alviss asked as his fatigue was replaced by buzzing energy.

"I used my power to give some of my energy," Ryan smiled dropping his hand, "To be honest I wasn't sure it was going to work."

"We are losing time we should go." Kirai announced turning his horse's head and settling off at a trot.

"Bossy isn't he?" Elvira said and Ryan chuckled while Alviss snorted. The three friends turned their horses around and trotted after the rider.

-:-

Yuri was pacing the floor of his new office his face lined with worry. Ryan had vanished last night. His guards had been found tied up in his room and Ryan's clothes had been left on the floor. After searching his room Wolfram had noticed that a set of Ryan's plain clothes were missing so at least Ryan wasn't running around naked. Yuri sighed and flopped into his chair staring up at the ceiling. The ten nobles had been horrified at first to learn of the Prince's disappearance but as evidence began to show that maybe Ryan left of his own free will, they became angry. Yuri couldn't believe that Ryan would want to leave the castle and he doubted Ryan was stupid enough to run off after the ten nobles of all people had ordered him to remain in the castle.

Ryan had inherited his dad's stubborn streak of doing whatever he wanted without a care of who ordered him otherwise. Yuri both respected and hated that trait in his son. He was glad that Ryan was confident in himself to go his own way without bending to outside pressure but on the other hand, sometimes others knew best. Yuri sighed and dropped his head onto his desk with a light thump. Then again, considering how stubborn both he and Wolfram were, it would have been impossible for Ryan not have inherited a stubborn streak. Yuri just wished it had picked a more appropriate time to show itself. The nobles were furious that they had been directly disobeyed and it was not helping to prove Ryan's innocence.

The door to Yuri's study opened and Yuri looked up to see Wolfram walk into the room. While the nobles were going over the evidence they had found Yuri had been kicked out for being 'too bias' as they called it. Well of course Yuri would defend his son to the hilt regardless of any evidence anyone found, who would expect anything different?

"Are they still talking?" Yuri asked and Wolfram nodded with a heavy sigh. When Ryan had not come down for breakfast Wolfram had gone looking for him. He was the one who discovered the guards and that Ryan was missing. The guards said that their attacker had come from outside the Prince's bedroom and had been male, slim, tall, with short black hair and pale blue eyes. Yuri had a feeling it was the last remaining rider and that thought filled him with dread. Why would his son have gone willing with someone like him? It was now late afternoon and apart from some tracks found outside the castle walls behind the castle itself, no further evidence of where Ryan had gone had presented themselves.

"They will be in there until tomorrow at this rate," Wolfram said angrily his green eyes burning. "We should be looking for Ryan not sitting around discussing his punishment!" Yuri watched as his husband and the love of his life paced up and down his study. Yuri sighed and stood up walking to his blond fire starter and pulled him into his arms. Wolfram slumped against him and wrapped his arms around Yuri's neck burying his face into Yuri's chest. Since their first meeting Yuri had grown several inches so he was now almost a head taller than Wolfram. Yuri found it strange being taller than Wolfram because it made Wolfram appear small and delicate, as if he needed Yuri's protection. Yet Wolfram was anything but delicate and he could still knock Yuri onto his ass every time they practised with swords.

"Its ok Wolfram we will find him." Yuri soothed rubbing Wolfram's back with his hand in small circles.

"I can't bear to loose him again Yuri," Wolfram admitted quietly. "It almost killed me the first time."

"Wolf…." Yuri trailed off not sure what to say. Instead his tightened his arms around Wolfram and pressed his face into Wolfram's blond curls breathing in the scent of Wolfram.

"I'm sorry," Wolfram let out a humourless laugh, "I should be comforting you right now."

"Don't be silly, it is a comfort just to hold you in my arms like this." Yuri whispered in Wolfram's ear and Wolfram sniffed. Yuri pulled back slightly and tilted Wolfram's head up with his fingers. Wolfram's beautiful green eyes shone with tears and it broke Yuri's heart. "Ryan is our son, I'm sure whatever he is doing he is doing it for a good reason. And I am sure he will return to us." Yuri smiled, "He has his dad's stubborn streak after all. There is no way he would miss his baby brother being born." Wolfram laughed and nodded.

"There is some of his father's nature in him too; always running off to save the day leaving his family chasing after him and making everyone worry about him." Wolfram said softly making Yuri smile. Yuri bent his head and kissed Wolfram gently on the lips. Wolfram sighed softly and returned the kiss. It started out soft but quickly turned passionate.

"I love you Wolf," Yuri whispered.

"I love you too wimp," Wolfram replied just as softly. "As long as I am with you I can face anything." Yuri's face broke into a smile and Wolfram felt his heart swell as he saw the love shinning in Yuri's eyes.

A knock on the door broke their tender moment and Wolfram reluctantly pulled out of Yuri's arms as the door opened. Conrad stood outside the door looking sombre.

"The ten nobles have requested your presence Your Majesty and yours as well Wolfram." Yuri took a breath to fortify himself and headed out of the door with Wolfram beside him.

-:-

Yuri and Wolfram stood in the same room where the nobles had questioned Ryan after he returned after being kidnapped. The room was rectangle in shape with a thick cream carpet covering the floor. Wood panelling covered the walls and the large windows behind the nobles let in the light. All nine nobles were seated at the semi-circular desk while Yuri and Wolfram stood before them. It was almost as if he and Wolfram were on trial and Yuri had a sneaking suspicion that the nobles had planned it that way. Josak was leaning against the wall behind them but Conrad had been told to wait outside. Yuri wondered what the orange haired spy had to do with whatever the nobles had planned.

"We have reached a decision regarding Prince Ryan's disappearance," Waltorana spoke first standing up as he did so.

"Finally," Wolfram muttered softly and Yuri smiled. All the nobles frowned as one so Yuri stopped smiling and looked at Waltorana as he seemed the appointed speaker. Gwendal was sitting beside Waltorana and he looked even grumpier than normal. Gunter sat on Waltorana's other side and kept shooting concerned glances at his husband. Yuri licked his lips in a nervous gesture as he glanced around the other faces of the nobles. They all looked like someone had just died. Whatever they had decided Yuri had a feeling it wasn't going to go down well.

"And what is your decision?" Yuri asked calmly although his heart was thumping madly in his chest.

"Gwendal and Josak will go after Prince Ryan and return him too the castle using force if necessary." Waltorana said and Wolfram gasped loudly. The only reason Yuri didn't gasp as well was because he felt he couldn't breathe.

"You do realise that you are treating my son as if he were a common criminal right?" Wolfram asked his voice cold. Most of the nobles flinched but Waltorana held his nephew's angry gaze easily.

"All the evidence shown to us would suggest he left of his own free will. There were no signs of a struggle, no blood, the Prince's horse is missing and those two friends of his could not be found either."

"That doesn't make my son a criminal!" Wolfram snapped and Yuri felt the temperature in the room go up several degrees. When Wolfram got angry the room temperature always went up, not down, because Wolfram's anger heated the air.

"Wolfram calm down," Yuri said softly and turned back to Waltorana. "I want it to be noted that I disagree with this method in the highest way."

"We understand Your Majesty," Lord Gyllenhaal said his voice gentle. "Do you offer a different idea?"

"I do not know why my son has left the castle," Yuri said his voice strong and clear, "Yet I do know that my son would do nothing to bring harm upon his people. Gwendal and Josak may go after Ryan but I would prefer it if they discovered the reason behind my son's actions rather than just dragging him back to the castle without hearing an explanation."

"Very well," Lord Gyllenhaal said before anyone could reply. "Gwendal, Josak, do you accept your assignment?" Gwendal stood up and glanced at his younger brother before nodding.

"Yes I do."

"So do I," Josak spoke up and the ten nobles nodded.

"Then it is decided, Josak and Gwendal will track down Prince Ryan and bring him back to the castle." Lord Waltorana said and everyone nodded. Yuri sighed and glanced worriedly at Wolfram. Wolfram however had his gaze fixed on his oldest brother who still looked unhappy about his appointed task. Yuri had mixed feelings about sending Josak and Gwendal out after Ryan. Josak was the best tracker in Shinmakoku s if anyone could find Ryan it was Josak. Gwendal was smart and very skilled with both sword and maryoku. Yuri wanted his son found and brought home safely, but he couldn't help but wonder what it was that had drawn Ryan away from the castle in the first place.

*End chapter*

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