"What...?"
And that was shocking. A Queen's Knight's apprentice turned to be an assassin to kill a Falena's Princess and her unborn child. Even his mother had never suspected for an assassin within the royal family's guards.
He walked closer, and closer toward the mother and child who didn't have the ability for self defense. Frey couldn't deny, that he was in absolute fear. He hugged his mother in fear of losing and death.
And his mother still tried to do a self defense, by casting her lightning spell, but deflected by Evan and injuring his mother's right arm.
"It's useless, Princess Arshtat," said Evan arrogantly. "Just surrender for at least I can offer you a painless death."
"NOOO!" Frey screamed as he embraced his injured mother to protect her. His mother was in pain of the deflected spell. 'Is she fine? Is my baby sibling fine?' He couldn't help but worry of them.
Frey opened his eyes slightly. He spotted a medium sized wood right next to his mother. Then he remembered what he had said the few days ago...
'I'll protect mother too!'
He immediately reached for that log and hold it really tight. The wood was heavy for his small hand. But it didn't stop him from confronting that traitor. He stood in front of his mother and facing that fake apprentice directly.
"My, my. Look at our highness prince Freyjadour Falenas," said that Evan, with mocking tone. "What are you doing to do with that tiny little stick? Kill me?"
"Go awaaay!" Frey yelled at him, with that sudden guts he had gotten from nowhere. He had been training for few months, then he should have some basics with him.
Frey swung the wood wildly to preventing Evan from getting closer to his mother. But that man just smirked and then caught the wood effortlessly. Frey then kicked him few times.
"Seems like Lazlo hasn't taught you anything, despite for few months of training, huh?" He chuckled. "He sure doesn't want to since he cannot stay here for long. Or perhaps, his skilled has dulled intensely?"
Frey didn't understand what he had blabbed about. But one thing for sure, Frey wasn't happy for him to mocking Lazlo.
"Don't say anything bad of Lazlo!" He yelled again at him. First his mother was attacked, and then he mocked Lazlo. Frey became more furious and tried his best to snatch back the wood.
Of course, Evan didn't let go the wood. "Yet, I have to admit, you have the bravery." Instead, he pulled the wood hard until Frey was fell hard onto the floor. The wooden floor scratched his arms and legs. His left cheek was bruised a little. "If I have no use of you, you have been dead for minutes ago."
Frey didn't understand what he was talking about. He was trying to stand again to her mother's side. But, his body was aching. Use? He wasn't a tool, Frey complained in his mind.
Lazlo's wind rune spell breaking through the storage room he dashed toward them to nullify the lightning spell. Furiously, he dashed toward Evan with incredible speed and fought against him, while Ferid rushed to his wife and son, injured on his arm. Galleon was still fighting the other intruders, and he suffered some minor injuries.
"Ar… Frey… thank goodness…" said Ferid, while hugging both of them. His father's face was as pale as ghost.
"Ferid! Bring them to the downstairs!" Lazlo commanded him. He had his hands full with those enemies. Even Lazlo had had the hard time on them. Ferid nodded at Lazlo.
"Let's go- aaargh-!" screamed Ferid, right when he was going to escort them. He dropped his sword and trembled really hard. "Why- I'm feeling numb-!"
Then, followed on Galleon. He fell on his knees and surrounded by enemies. He had even lost his strength to grip his halberd.
Frey and Arshtat worried about Ferid, who seemed unable to move at all, even though he had retained his full consciousness. When Frey touched his father's injured arm, it felt like burning. Galleon was in same condition, unable to move. They had finally realized, the enemies had used an old fashioned dirty trick, to put poison on their weapon.
"Ferid! Sir Galleon!" Lazlo was still able to fight them. But, when an enemy was pushing his blade on Galleon's neck to threaten Lazlo, he hesitated for a second. In his distraction, Evan swung his sword to Lazlo's left shoulder. Lazlo blocked it within last second to avoid a fatal cut. Blood were trickling down from there, as Lazlo suffered a shallow cut from the blow, and pushed back few feet away.
Then Evan, took the chance and grabbed Frey as a hostage. Frey felt a cold sensation on his neck, when Evan's dagger was pushed on his neck. Frey wasn't appreciating that. He struggled by kicking and elbowing.
"Frey—!" Lazlo didn't dare to move. "Evan, let the child go!"
Really, Frey hated so much of Evan's mocking chuckles. Even though Lazlo had told him to stay on his manner, he wanted to punch him so bad. And to be worse, he was captivated by him!
"I have learned your weakness is this little prince, Lazlo," said Evan. "Throw you weapons down. Don't try any silly things. I believe my sword here…" He pressed his sword on Frey's neck, threatening Lazlo by his master's safety. Everyone screamed. Frey winced when his blood trickling a little, and his arm was somewhat chocking him. "… would be faster than your spell."
"Don't do it, Lazlo!" screamed Frey. Evan choked him harder.
"Shut up, princey, or I may break your neck right away."
"Stop! Do not hurt him…" And Lazlo did what Evan had asked, after struggling a little. He put his dual swords on the floor and kicked them far away from him. Next, he undid the clasp of his private one handed sword and threw it aside. Then, 'Silent Lake' spell was casted on Lazlo. Seemed like they had known Lazlo was well-versed mage as well. Lazlo had said, even though he could break through the spell like he usually did, it would take him too much time and concentration.
Then, Lazlo was totally unarmed and his rune was blocked as well. Two of those assassins pressed their swords on Lazlo's throat, and Lazlo raised both of his hands. Though his life was at risk, Lazlo was still remaining his calm demeanor. But Frey could tell, Lazlo was more serious than ever.
Evan smirked in satisfaction. "See, how much he cared about you, princey." Evan totally had the upper hand. He loosen his arm. Frey relieved a little, since he could be able to breathe better. He could see, Lazlo sighed in relieve.
"Now, could you please release the prince and let him go with the Princess to the downstairs?" asked Lazlo. "They're just woman and children. Just let them go."
"And like I have been told, woman, children, and the innocents are your weaknesses." Evan seemed quite amused. "So, I suppose you have known what is my purpose."
Frey just realized, that Evan seemed to know a lot about Lazlo. Evan was just recruited for few months, and it's just recently he was appointed to learn under Lazlo's guidance. Lazlo rarely had the time though, so Evan had spent most of his time with Frey.
"... I see..." Lazlo responded, wearily, as he tightened his grip. Frey had never seen Lazlo looked so tired and guilty. He couldn't pinpoint the exact thing he had seen from Lazlo.
"Then, I presume you are going after the Sun Rune too?"
That was a shocking truth. Arshtat, Ferid, Galleon, and even the youngest one, Frey was shocked. The Sun Rune was the only true rune and also property of Falena. It's the symbol of the Falena itself. It was rather impossible to let anyone take the rune, moreover an assassin.
Evan even laughed by Lazlo's assumption, he admitted it. "That's why I need some a 'tool' with me."
Frey didn't understand to that point. Tool? Lazlo? Evan was negotiating with Lazlo, which was too deep for a six years old Frey to understand. There were too much things confusing him.
But Lazlo seemed to be getting more, and more desperate. He kept himself in silence at that time, struggling about his deal which Frey could not even understand.
"So, what is your answer, 'Sir' Lazlo?"
Evan then pressed his dagger again on Frey's throat, which causing all of them panicking again. His arm was getting tighter, and choking Frey again. Frey tried to reach Lazlo, but Lazlo was held as well.
"I don't have an 'eternity' like you to wait for any answer. And I'm expecting a good answer."
'Don't agree him... Don't...!' Frey screamed within his heart. He's going to lose his closest bodyguard. Frey wouldn't allow that to happen! He wouldn't!
Though he didn't understand why they must have Lazlo in retrieving the Sun Rune, Frey just wouldn't allow anything of it happen! There must be a way to everyone could be saved, along with the Sun Rune, without Lazlo's betrayal or somebody's death.
But, what he answered wasn't what Frey had expected…
"… Understood. I'll do it…" Lazlo sighed lazily, and pushed both of the swords from his neck away with his palm. "I cannot afford myself to die and I have had enough of this Prince-and-guardian game, either."
"NOO!"
Frey struggled more and more. He had never expected Lazlo would agree it, and said something like that. He looked at Lazlo in horror, and disbelieve. He had believed in Lazlo so much…
He's truly disappointed…
'Lazlo isn't someone like that… he is not…'
Evan clasped his hand and laughed, satisfied. "Great! I'm sure we will make a good team. With your power, I believe we can take on the Sun Rune!" The sword which had covered a little of Frey's blood was lowered. "Good thing for you, princey!"
Frey gritted his teeth, as if he wanted to cry. His eyes were staring on Lazlo, demand on explanation. Evan was mocking him for having unloyal guardian. Was the Lazlo he had always known faking his loyalty all the time?
"Enough of it, Evan," glared Lazlo. "Just bring the other Queen's Knight to separated cells and the prince and princess to a locked room below. Treat the mother and child carefully, for at least the final thing I could offer them. I'm tired, I have to rest before we arrive at Falena."
"Heh, you're sure demanding a lot, but sure. But, I have to arrange some people to guard you as well." Evan ordered some people to put something on Lazlo's both wrists, and it's chained. Lazlo didn't seem to be mind about it at all.
"Whatever. Do not call me until the time you need me to take the action."
Lazlo turned his back to Frey. Someone pulled Frey and he struggled a lot to the point he almost fell. He needed to bring his guardian back!
"Lazlooo!" Frey screamed over his name, hoped his bodyguard wouldn't go. He tried to reach closest companion. Frey's eyes looked directly upon his cold blue eyes, which was not his usual warm look. It seemed so scary, and distant…
… to the point, Frey could not the recognize that Queen's Knight before him…
Frey scared of that Lazlo...
"..."
Lazlo just gave him a cold glance, then walked away like nothing was ever happened.
Both of the ships were sailing toward Falena in really low speed. Little Frey and her mother were locked together in a room on enemy's ship, along with a medic to tend Princess Arshtat's arm. Ferid and Galleon were locked in the cell in same ship as well. Rest of the fallen guards and Lazlo were staying on Falena's ship.
It's going to be a slow night, for all of them...
"The baby is fine, your highness," said the nurse who was tagging alongside them. She applied some ointment on her arm as well for the first aid. "None of seems to be affecting the baby. The injury on the arm is just a slight burn as well."
Frey really relieved, as well as his mother. It was the most fortunate thing between the unfortunate ones.
But, both of them worried about safety of the rest of the people, and about what would happen next.
Right after the nurse had done, one of the assassin came and drag her out, leaving the mother and child alone. He even locked the door from the outside. It was the worst treatment ever they had received.
Frey sniffled, and he smuggled on his mother. He had been crying for quite awhile. He was upset, and appeased by his mother's gentle stroke on his head. For all the time, he had been thinking of Lazlo's sudden change of attitude.
Yes, he was suddenly changed. Frey didn't recognize him anymore. And he agreed to help their foes to retrieve the Sun Rune!
And Lazlo was his personal guardian, which had saddened him the most by his betrayal...
"Frey…"His mother cuddled him and patted his back. "Hush, don't cry anymore…"
But, Frey did the contrary. He cried again, and wiped off his eyes with his sleeve. "Mother… why Lazlo's so mean to me…? Am I really a hassle to him?"
Come to think of it, Frey did really think he had made a lot of trouble for Lazlo. He had asked Lazlo about a lot of things. Sometimes, he threw small tantrums when Lazlo was too busy to accompany him. He had requested over things that actually should not be done, like sneaking out from the palace without permission to play. The worst? He had made Lazlo to be punished heavily by his ignorance.
His mother said nothing, just sighed and tried to comfort her son by caressing him. His mother must be worried of his father as well.
About ten minutes later, they heard something from outside of the room. His mother hugged his son immediately to protect young Frey. Even the nurse was in fright of what would happen next.
"Prince! Princess Arshtat…! Are you in there?"
They recognized that sound immediately. Both of relieve and fright occupied Frey's mind.
"Lazlo? It's us!" The princess answered him immediately. "Are you alone? Have you saved Ferid?"
"No. Not yet," said Lazlo. "Please give me a minute."
There was a sound like he was picking the lock. It didn't even take half of a minute for the door to be opened. Lazlo entered carefully, he then closed the door really slowly to make no noise. He was wearing his black turtleneck shirt and a same colored long trouser, rather in his Queen's Knight's uniform. Only when Lazlo was off from duty he would wear his red headband and civilian clothes. He had his left hand bandaged tightly, and his both wrists were chained. He seemed to be in hurry.
Frey hid behind his mother's arm, tried to avoid him.
"Are you both fine, your highness?" He asked with haste.
"Yes, we are both fine, Lazlo. But, why are you here?" The silver haired princess asked him, since Frey didn't dare to talk to him.
"I'll just keep it short, your highness." Lazlo kept his voice as low as possible. "I'll freed Ferid and Sir Galleon as soon as possible. They will come to fetch you up as soon as possible. So please, escape when they give you the signal and run to our ship. I'll buy you some time."
"I understand…" said Princess Arshtat seriously. "But, will you able to escape or fight?"
He was chained, it might not be easy for him, since he was the only one who was able to fight. Ferid and Galleon, might not in the shape for battle yet. Not to mention the princess or the young prince.
"I will find a way. Don't worry…"
For a moment, they exchanged their glance. Frey immediately turned his face to avoid Lazlo.
"Frey? Don't you want to talk to Lazlo?" asked the mother of the silver haired child. "See? He didn't mean to say anything like that before."
Frey shook his head quickly and hid behind his mother.
"... prince..." Lazlo knelt before him, with a sad smile. "I'm... sorry I have said something like that. I'm ready for my punishment later after the situation has calmed."
Even after a little while, Frey didn't talk to him. Lazlo sighed slowly, and then stood up while holding his chest. Frey just remembered, Lazlo had received a blow from Evan before. It must be... painful...
"Here, I brought some water. Please don't eat or drink anything of what they might bring later. Please be careful." He left some water there, and opened the door again. He checked the hall, and then left.
"Frey..." Arshtat stroked her son's head. "See? Lazlo did that to save us. You have to understand..."
"... I know... but..."
What Lazlo had said, was actually like a slap to a child. It's painful for the six years old Frey...
It actually took quite a time, and their hearts were racing, awaiting for the signal. All they had to do was to be patient, as Lazlo was acting alone. The time was passing much more slower.
"Ar...?" Someone knocked the door really lightly. He whispered to the door. "Ar? Frey? Are you guys in there?"
Frey's mother seemed extremely relieved. Frey immediately open the door and hugged his father's leg. Ferid stroked his head and embraced his wife. Galleon was there, too!
"Thank goodness… thank goodness…." Ferid kept repeating his gratefulness for both of his wife and son's safety. "Come on, we can't waste any moment. They have spotted us when Lazlo freed us."
"W-What about… Lazlo?" Frey still asked about him, since he still concerned. "He is coming with us, right?"
"He'll come later, come on!"
They walked as fast as they could. Princess Arshtat could only walk, with her pregnancy on her last weeks. Ferid and Galleon, had their parts of body numbed due to poison, and only managed to walk after some antidote from Lazlo. Frey could run by himself, but he was still a child.
Right after they arrived at the upper deck of the ship, some of Evan's underling tried to attack them. Lazlo rushed in the right time, then blocking a slash from enemy, using the chain of his handcuff. He glanced over the group desperately. "Go!"
As Lazlo had commanded, they ran toward their ship. Frey's heart struggled a bit to leave Lazlo alone to fight them. Even though Lazlo was one of best in Queen's Knight, the handcuff handicapped his movement. All he could do was avoiding and empty handed fight with his fists and legs. With his runic skill, he should be able to fight them easily, but Lazlo didn't seem to be able to use them as well. He wasn't without any injuries either.
While escaping, Galleon used his Earth Rune to help Lazlo a bit. Ferid was helping Princess Arshtat and Frey to cross the plank. Galleon was the last to aboard to the ship. Ferid started to operate the ship along with Galleon's help. The ship went further and further, while Lazlo was still on enemy's ship to ensure none of them aboard the Falena's ship. Lazlo even threw the only plank to ensure no enemies could go across.
And, Evan was nowhere to be found.
"Father? What about Lazlo?" Frey still really concerned about Lazlo, even though he was still sad of Lazlo's words. "We can't be leaving without him!"
"Don't worry!" His father grinned, while trying his hardest to operate the ship with one arm. "He's an islander too!"
Frey continued to observe, along with his mother. Lazlo managed to had the chain of his handcuff broken, and grinned. He pulled both of his swords from the sheathes. Things were getting easier for him.
Though the situation wasn't really good for them, Frey was amazed. Lazlo was really strong, and he really gave everything to protect all of them...
"L-Lazlo..." Frey gripped the railing tightly. He started to biting his own lip. He still didn't want to lose him. He had known Lazlo was said those horrible words, to trick enemies. But his ego itself, had bested him for even give him some cheers of support.
The enemies started to use arrows to the ship. While Lazlo parried some of them, and some missed. But, one of the arrow toward Frey really fast. That long arrow should be able to pierce through his small body.
Frey shut his eyes tightly, as he was getting ready for the immense pain piercing through his body. He could hear his father and mother screamed in horror.
But, the pain didn't come. Not even a gentle sting. Contrary, he felt really safe and comfortable, like being embraced by an ultimate protection. Curious, he opened his eyes, and found himself surrounded by some kind of light green barrier. The arrow was decimated into ash, then followed by those arrows close to Frey. Almost all of the people were amazed by its protection.
Frey wondered who had casted the barrier on him. It's so strong, but Frey felt the gentleness in there. Soon, the barrier perished, his father and mother rushed upon him. His mother pulled him into her arms, while his father was still surprised while murmuring something like, 'the protection of twelve'.
At the other ship, Frey noticed Lazlo was relieved while clutching his left hand. It's not clear, but his left hand burnt. An arrow was stuck on his shoulder, and he pulled it out in an instant.
While the enemies are dumbfounded by what had happened, Lazlo ran toward the railing. Frey widened his eyes, as he saw Lazlo actually jumped over even though the gasps between ships were a bit too far. But, he still barely made it to the Falena's ship. If normal people watched that, they would be breaking some cold sweat.
Frey couldn't help, but extremely relieved that Lazlo had made it...
Ferid grinned to Frey, with a winning expression. "See? I told you he's an islander!"
"Huuuuffh..." Lazlo stumbled and sat on the deck in relieve and exhaustion. He was bleeding for several cuts from enemies and seemed like to be too weary to argue with Ferid. "Being an islander doesn't mean I have the ability to fly across ships..."
"But you still made it!" Ferid grinned, as the worst had passed. It seemed like the enemies did not dare to jump from the ship.
"Everyone is here, right?" Lazlo tried to count the people there. Queen's Knights were all there, and the princess along with the prince. The guards were perhaps still under the influence of the drug. "Prince, are you all fine?"
Instead of answer his bodyguard's question, Frey just ignored him. The mother of that child gently rebuked him for his misbehavior. "Frey, you should at least answer when someone concerning about you. He's your guardian and he's hurt right now."
Frey glanced Lazlo a bit, then turned his face away. He was worried of Lazlo, of course! But, his ego had more control over his own heart.
Lazlo smiled bitterly. "It's fine, princess. It's my fault anyway. I'm ready for my punishment later back in the palace."
Galleon came, after checking the direction of the ship. He then tried to help Lazlo up with his unparalyzed arm. He then asked Lazlo to take over since he was the one who had the experience of sailing. Frey was still sticking with his parents. His father was still calming down his wife and son for the mess earlier.
Frey thought the worst was over...
"I'll bring you two back into your ro-"
But he realized, he was wrong, when something was flying toward his father's back...
"Father! Look out!"
And it slashed upon his father's back, then injured Galleon as well when it changed its direction. Lazlo was able to parry it though he suffered the damage as well, and unarmed as well. It flew so fast, and then caught back by Evan, who's been hiding since he had captured everyone. He whistled in satisfy, while swinging his weapon, a long chained sickle. His smiled in satisfaction when looking his bloody sickle.
"Man, I have never thought no one realizes I am here for the entire time." He said with some singsong manner. "You should have been grateful, for I have spared your lives before."
Yes, they had actually forgotten about him, since everyone had their hands full of way to escape. But who had known, he was actually on the ship. His father and Galleon was too weak to fight anymore. Though Lazlo was still in better shape than the rest of Queen's Knights, he was exhausted already.
Frey wished, he could fight as well...
Evan sighed. "And I have never though, you are that hard to tame, really," said Evan again to Lazlo, though Lazlo didn't answer him. "Let me ask you one more time, about the deal I have mentioned to you earlier."
He's still persuading Lazlo to help them steal the Sun Rune. Of course, whatever it was, Frey hoped Lazlo would object it for sure. He had learned from two years ago, the Sun Rune was one of the twenty seven true runes. It's also the base of Falena's history. Let it fall to enemy, was the same like let Falena fall to enemy, his deceased great-grandmother said.
"I have escaped and released all of your hostages. What do you expect after I did those?" Lazlo replied, with a smirk. "It's a no, Evan. I'll not help you to retrieve the Sun Rune, or let you to steal it."
Frey extremely relieved, since Lazlo really didn't have any mean of betrayal. He was really Lazlo, his guardian after all.
"Then, will you give me 'that' thing?" asked Evan again, and Frey still didn't have any idea of what they were talking about. "I'm sure you've been tired wandering around with it."
After some silence, Lazlo chuckled cynically to Evan. "Wait for a hundred of years, if you have an eternity to wait."
Instead of insulted, he laughed. He brought something from his back.
'W-What's that?' Frey thought. It was somewhat round shaped, almost in size of Frey's playing ball, and it's dripping on liquid. He couldn't see it clearly by that distance.
"Then, let me return the favor…" said Evan, then throwing that thing toward them. It rolled few times, until stopped not far from them, gave them a clear view of that thing. His mother vomited right on that sight. His father covered Frey's eyes and pulled his mother to block that gruesome vision from them. Even the oldest, Galleon could not help but disgusted.
Yet, Ferid was too late. Frey had already seen it. Frey trembled uncontrollably and almost vomited.
It was a mutilated head of the nurse earlier. Her eyes were half-opened, and the face itself was covered in her own blood. Her hair was messy since Evan brought that head by the hair. The neck… seemed to be hacked numerous times until snapped off, rather than one clean cut.
Evan had killed her, with inhumane way. It's the most terrible things Frey had ever seen in his life. And the nurse had done nothing to deserve that way to death.
Frey dare not open his eyes, not even a bit. He was too frightened of that sight. For that moment, he had really missed home really bad. How great, if those visions were just a nightmare. Lazlo would be on his room already, then shook his shoulder to wake him up. Then, his morning routines, and later spent a lot of time with his mother and father too. If he told them about that nightmare, probably they would laugh at him. His mother could give him a cuddle, and his father probably would tease him and saying about dreams weren't real.
And his personal bodyguard watched, would say that...
'Don't worry prince. If that really happens, I'll protect you no matter what...'
Then, he would give him a warm smile, which had never failed to give him ease. He would be safe, as long as Lazlo was by his side...
"DON'T...!"
A scream pulled Frey out from his temporary shock. His father and mother gasped, right after he heard a loud slashing noise of blade. What he saw right away in front of them was Evan's kusarigama flying toward them, to slash him along with his father and mother.
And then, someone shielded them with his own body, as the merciless weapon strike through his torso.
Frey held his breath in horror of what had happened before him. There was a lot of blood… dripping to the wooden floor.
"N-No…."
He was the one who had always kept his promise, to protect him. The one who had always been on his side…
"LAZLOOOO!"
Frey broke through his parents' arm as his bodyguard collapsed to his knees. Blood kept coming, from his wounds. Someone didn't need any medical certificate could even see, his injuries he suffered was severe. Frey didn't even care his own hand covered with blood. He tried to cover Lazlo's wound as he had taught him. "Hang in there! Lazlooo!"
And he still managed to smile to the young prince he had protected. But, his couldn't mask his agonizing pain. Lazlo was in terrible pain, Frey could tell.
"Are you… okay, prince….?" Lazlo asked, still concerned to the little prince.
"Don't talk!"
Frey tried his damnedest to stop his blood from coming out. His eyes were hot, and teary. His both hand were trembling while stopping Lazlo's wound.
"Look, what a sweet relationship you have."
Evan spoke, with his arrogance which Frey had had enough with. If he wasn't helping Lazlo then, he would take a sword and fight him even though he didn't have enough skill yet. He was really angry and upset. Evan had killed the innocent servant, and tried to harm his parents, then harmed his closest guard as well. He stared on Evan with his angry eyes, which were teary as well.
"Aaaw, look, the prince is angry now..." mocked Evan. "What? You want to kill me so bad right now?"
Frey bit his own lower lip, and tried his very best not to burst out in anger. He was always told to behave in no matter what circumstances.
And Evan was still mocking Frey to the point Frey was gritting his teeth really hard. He took his bloodied hand away from Lazlo's wound and tried to hit Evan. But, Evan easily caught his hands off.
"… Evan…"
Lazlo lowered his head, then called him with low tone. Frey saw, that Lazlo's handcuff was glowing and his wrist had some burnt, like had suffered from electrocution. It seemed like some sort of electrocution device, which Frey wasn't sure about.
"… I order you… to not lay your hand on Frey…"
And that device activated itself, right after Lazlo commanded. It started to electrocuting Lazlo's left wrist, like it was holding something down from Lazlo.
Of course, Evan didn't listen to him, and said something like 'Runic seal's of his hand. But, suddenly, Evan's hand was cracked by its own, forcing him to let go of Frey's hand. He screamed out of pain of his dislocated wrist. Frey stepped back to Lazlo's side immediately, as he didn't have any idea of what had happened all of the sudden. Evan's hand was twisted without any cause, which was scary.
"I have warned you, Evan..."
And there, Lazlo gave him a spine-chilling stare which sent people drenched on their cold sweats of fear. He still had the ability to send people drown into their fear, with that kind of condition. There was a time, his father warned him in jokingly manner about when he was four.
'Don't ever make Lazlo angry, okay? Lazlo is reaaaaally scary when pissed off!'
When his father said those, he only took it as a joke since Lazlo had never lost his temper, at least before him. Contrary, Lazlo always taught him to control his own temper. He was always kind to anyone and had never said any ill words to anyone, even to the people who had despised him in the palace. Lazlo was said as the gentle sheep among all Queen's Knights.
Then, Frey was certain. Lazlo was losing his temper.
"I-Impossible! How could you still able to use your rune?! I have—aaaargh-!"
Lazlo glared at him harder with his pair of blue eyes before Evan completed his sentence, then Frey heard another cracking sound harder from Evan. Evan screamed harder as he gripped his twisted right hand. Frey didn't have any idea of what Lazlo had done!
'What's happening…?' Frey was afraid of those bizarre things happened. It's scary, like Evan was being tortured though he deserved it.
It seemed like, Evan was being punished…
Frey stayed closer to Lazlo, who was giving out a scary aura. He pulled Lazlo's shirt which was wet soaked in blood. While writhing in pain, Lazlo raised his right hand toward Frey's head. "I'm sorry… Frey… I… cannot let see this….."
His right shackle activated, electrocuting his wrist again like it was stopping him from using runes. And Frey saw Lazlo's wind rune activated as well. Lazlo smiled as he swiped his right hand in front of Frey's face. Frey felt drowsy when he inhaled the sweet calming wind from Lazlo's wind rune spell. He felt Lazlo caught his limped body before hitting the wooden floor.
He could feel Lazlo's hand on his head, patting him. "I promise you… when you wake up later, everything has already been fine…"
Despite from against his own willingness, he fell into deep sleep…
With his drifted consciousness, he heard ear-piercing shrieking, followed by screams of a lot of people…
Dark. Frey remembered, what he had saw first, was a pitch of darkness. His head was spinning, and he tried to balance up his head. Slowly, he was able to open his eyes again and found himself in the cabin he was using before. He also remembered, Lazlo had casted 'Wind of Sleep' to him.
He woke up after he was fully conscious and found his scratches and wounds had healed. He also felt great and fresh. Those must had been Lazlo's doing.
It seemed like Lazlo had put the situation in control, like what he had said before Frey fallen asleep.
"… Then, let's tell Frey about it later after he awakes…"
He heard his father talking outside the door. Then, he entered right after that and found Frey had regained his consciousness. Frey rushed toward his father and his mother and hugged their leg. He was so glad found both of his parents were fine. His father had also healed and his mother was really fine. His father picked him up.
"Son, how are you feeling? Is there anywhere hurt?" Ferid asked. "Why don't you sleep more? It's still dark out there." Frey shook his head immediately.
"I feel good, father!" He said, proudly. "Lazlo healed me, didn't he? He healed father and the rest too, right?"
"Yes, he did…" His father didn't seem as cheerful as usual, though the situation had calmed. His mother said nothing and just stroked Frey's head sympathetically. None of them could directly look him at his eyes.
"Did something happen, father?" Frey asked. His father didn't answer him immediately, but put him to sit on the bed first. His mother held his small hand, bracing him, while her eyes were glancing over his father's sadly. "… tell me…"
He just hoped, it wasn't any bad news…
"Frey," His father kneeled before him and grabbed his shoulder. "Keep yourself calm and listen to us, okay? Stay strong."
Frey nodded reluctantly, though he didn't feel like it. "Did something bad… happen…?"
"Lazlo…" His father put his voice lower, but Frey could hear it really clear. "He couldn't make it back to Falena. He was heavily injured and the poison was too lethal for him to handle."
"…."
Frey clenched his own grip, tighter, and tighter. His chest was hurt. His father didn't say it directly. But, he knew what his father had actually meant. He had wished his father then laughed for joke. Yet, his father seemed to be more serious than ever.
Lazlo was dying.
"…. Impossible…"
His mother embraced him. "We're so sorry, Frey."
Frey shook his head in disbelieve. "He's strong, father. He has always beaten father in match! He had also healed us! He could heal himself as well, right?"
Both of his father and mother just glanced at him silently, proving they were no lies on what they had said. Frey still couldn't believe it.
He jumped down from the bed and rushed toward the door even though his father had tried to stop him. "I want to see Lazlo!" He screamed.
He even broke through the guards and rushed toward Lazlo's room which wasn't far from his own. His father caught him again, while Frey struggled.
"Father, let me see Lazlo!"
"…. Son…" Ferid patted his head, then sighed. "… just… make sure you won't disturb him, okay?"
Without Frey agreed, his father brought him to Lazlo's room. Right before he knocked the door, Galleon had opened the door. Galleon's hands were covered in almost dried blood and he was covered in sweat. There were even traces of blood dripped in the room, then dried.
So much… blood… Frey hoped, those weren't Lazlo's.
"Your highness." Galleon widened the door a little. "Please..."
He slowly entered that small room, which he found his protector to laying on the bed. He was wearing his white undergarment of Queen's Knight, and underneath his torso was covered with bloody bandages. His right arm was resting over his head, covering his eyes. Even without looking his face, Frey could tell, Lazlo was in terrible pain.
But, the injuries and poison didn't seem to disturb Lazlo's keen sense. He lowered his arm, and turned his head to Frey. Instead, of showing his painful expression, he still managed to smile gently toward Frey, who was his master.
It's the gentlest and warmest of Lazlo's smile Frey had ever seen. A smile which seemed in content, and happiness. A smile which being gratefully, of his master's well-being.
A smile which gave Frey the feeling that he would never see him again…
"Your… highness…" Lazlo called him, which sounded to make a pain to Lazlo even for mere talking. But, his kind expression was trying to tell Frey's to not worry for him. "I'm sorry, I wasn't able to be on your side when you woke up earlier."
But, he wasn't fine at all…
Frey couldn't help to start tearing up. His eyes were really hot, and tears start to fall from them.
"Frey," Ferid patted Frey's shoulder lightly. "We'll leave you two for awhile. Okay?"
Frey wiped his tears over and over again when his father and Galleon left quietly. His tears couldn't stop flowing, not after his father had hinted him to say some last words to his bodyguard. He felt really bad, for ignoring Lazlo in some moment, though he did those for everyone's safety.
… almost everyone were safe, and Lazlo was dying…
"… Prince…" Lazlo tried to put himself into sitting position, though he found it difficult. He only managed to keep his upper body up with his arm. "Don't cry… you're not supposed to cry over a mere knight…"
Frey just shook his head while wiping his tears. For him, Lazlo wasn't just simply bodyguard, tutor, or caretaker. He was more than those who only guarding him quietly. Lazlo had spent his time more than his parents had to him. He had always protected him, however the situation was. He had guided Frey for almost everything. He even had always shielded him from any bad words, since he was born as a prince in Falena royal family.
… Lazlo was… just like his brother… or godfather…. and his family…
He felt Lazlo's hand, which wasn't as warm as usual on top of his head, stroking his silver hair. "This is the punishment… for saying those words to you, your highness…"
Frey shook his head harder and harder. He didn't want to hear those. Those words? Frey had already thrown it aside ever since he entered this room. He even didn't mind about it anymore!
"I'm sorry… for saying those words to you before."
"NOOO!" Little Frey immediately hugged Lazlo's chest and tightly clenching Lazlo's back shirt. So tight, like he wasn't going to let him die. His tears absorbed by Lazlo's white shirt. "It's not your fault! You only tried to protect us! It's…."
If only he had not given Lazlo his cold shoulder, maybe Lazlo wouldn't have fought so hard. If only he had been more understanding of Lazlo's behavior, maybe he had noticed Lazlo's intention from early on. If only… he was a little bit stronger…
"…. It's my fault….."
… maybe he could protect everyone as well, and Lazlo wouldn't need to sacrifice himself…
He cried again. His tears were uncontainable. He had said it himself before their departure for the trip, that he would protect his mother as well. Then, what Lazlo had worried, finally happened. He had done nothing to protect his mother, and had let Lazlo to take everything on himself.
"… Frey…"
Frey felt Lazlo's hand on his back, patting him gently like usually he had done whenever Frey cried. He knew, Lazlo had been doing it ever since he was a baby. Frey couldn't stop his crying more, knowing it was his last time to feel Lazlo's fatherly hand.
"Listen to me…" He whispered to him patiently, even though Frey could hear he was actually in pain. "I'm a Queen's Knight, remember...? It's my job, as a Queen's Knight to protect royal family member…"
Frey raised his head a bit and found Lazlo was smiling at him.
"And… I am the one who is appointed to obey you. So… I'm happy, to be able to protect everyone for you… under your name…"
Frey shook his head more and more. Yes, Frey should be proud that he had a strong Queen's Knight. But, who cares? Frey just couldn't imagine if he was without Lazlo.
"I don't careeee…." Frey gripped his shirt hard. "You're strong, right? You could endure hundreds of lashes! You could win against Father easily too! So, please!"
Again, he drowned his face on Lazlo's chest. He clenched his grips harder and harder.
"You won't die, will you? Promise me!"
He wailed harder and harder, asking Lazlo to not die. He rarely cried that hard before. Not even when his great-grandmother's death had made him cry to his eyes out. His heart was crying so hard as well, praying for Lazlo's life. He didn't want anyone close to him die!
Lazlo's hand was stroking his back, easing his cry. He was in pain, Frey knew it. His breathe sounded heavier than before.
"... I'm afraid... I can't promise you this time..." He was writhing in pain. "I'm... sorry..."
Frey's hope shattered as Lazlo had claimed it himself, to be unable to survive, while Frey was still in denial.
"….. Uuugh…."
A sudden movement had caused pain to Lazlo, and he gritted his teeth for that intense pain while holding his chest. In panic, Frey called his father immediately along with Galleon. They had him lie back to the bed. Frey couldn't bear to see him in agony. His arms were wrapped around Lazlo's left forearm strongly.
"Father? Can't we save Lazlo?! We have brought medicines with us, right?" Frey begged his father . Ferid just gave him a look of someone who had given up. "Father!"
"Frey, let's not disturb him anymore. Go back to your mother," asked Ferid. Still, Frey didn't want to leave yet.
"…. Ferid…" Lazlo called while trying to ease his own pain. "… Let him here… for a little bit longer…"
"But…"
"… just… a little bit longer…" Lazlo ordered him, which actually unusual for someone like him. He pulled himself back into sitting position."I'm… still able to hang on…. for a little bit longer…"
Ferid obeyed, and Frey hugged his left arm harder. "Hang on…. hang on…." he said, while he felt Lazlo was letting out a lot of cold sweat.
"… Don't cry…. Frey…" His right hand touched Frey's cheek and erased his tears away. His hand was really cold, which made Frey's tears more unstoppable. "Hey… you are soon to be a big brother… remember…?"
Frey had actually forgotten about that fact, until Lazlo mentioned it. He was supposed to cry less since he was going to be a big brother. He sniffed again, as he realized, Lazlo had saved his unborn sibling as well.
"Your little sister…. will be here with you soon…" said Lazlo again, as if he had gone against all the fortune-teller of Falena. A sister, while everyone else had predicted his sibling would be a prince as well. Lazlo was just guessing, perhaps. "You're the one… who would have to protect her…"
As if Lazlo was giving him a prophecy, Frey stopped crying, with only tears n his eyes. Lazlo seemed really serious, like a mentor who was giving his pupil his final advises. His smile was still as gentle as ever, but seemed in grief. Just a little, Frey felt like Lazlo was grieving over Frey and Frey didn't know what and why.
Lazlo coughed and hacking to the top of his lung, which had made Frey worried more and more. Though he asked Lazlo not to speak anymore, he didn't listen. He reached something, from a cupboard beside his bed and retrieved something from there. He unwrapped that thing from its cloth and gave it to Frey.
It's something that Frey had put his eyes to few days before. That nunchaku. Lazlo had actually bought it for Frey. Frey waveringly accepted that nunchaku.
"It's a late birthday gift for you, Frey…" He said. "… use it… to protect everyone you care…"
Frey wanted to cry again so bad. Never he had ever expected Lazlo to buy him any birthday present. But, Frey who had slowly accepted that Lazlo was dying, listening to whatever Lazlo tried to tell him. His final words…
"Things may not…become easy from now on…" Lazlo said again, and he coughed again and seemed become more sever. "… But, stay strong… and protect your sister…. as well as your parents…. Do not… succumb to whatever would have to appear before you…"
Blood came out from Lazlo's smiling lips, and then he coughed out more, staining his blanket. Unable to see his bodyguard's agony, he nodded. At least, to put him in ease, even though he couldn't bear it.
"I…. will… protect them…. like you have always done…."
Frey grabbed Lazlo's hand. His hand which had done so much for him, was letting go his master. Lazlo smiled again, and patted Frey's shoulder.
"Now…. I can be in ease…" He rested his back while Galleon supported him. "Frey…"
Again, his tears were flowing. Lazlo tapped the top of Frey's head, and Lazlo said the very last thing to Frey, while Lazlo casted another 'Wind of Sleep' to him.
Frey didn't struggle though he had not expected that. He fell onto Lazlo's arm, and felt Lazlo cuddled him tightly, along with a gentle and warm aura muffled him. Lazlo was trembling, which might be indicating his physical agony…
…. or the sadness for 'leaving' to somewhere far away….
"….. Thank you very much…. for everything you have given to me…. Frey…."
Then, Frey fell into sleep for once more, with tears flowing from both of his eyes in his sleep. He was in certain, he would be crying in his sleep…
… Since he knew… Lazlo would already been gone, when he opened his eyes later…
To be continued…