CHAPTER 14
Into the Black Part 1
A long time ago- the date being uncertain- three powerful groups existed in the badlands. There were the Speotytos, a breed of owl-like creatures who were honed for their weaponry. There were the Cyprus, the most regal of the three, who were known for their impressive sword skills. Lastly, there was the strongest group; the Respicios, known for their impressive strength.
Despite being ranked in power, the three groups lived separately and peacefully.
That is, until... the Cyprus revolted.
1
Frederick kissed his wife. "I'm off, my dear."
"Off?" Margaret was puzzled. "Off to where?"
"Just... you know... the official's meeting."
She tilted her head, her gamboge hair flowing. How he hated lying to her, especially for purposes such as these. They were expecting a child, whose name they have not decided on.
"Don't lie to me, Frederick. You know that I don't approve of you meeting with conspirators."
Damn. Nowhere to run now. "Margaret, our clan needs this."
"Needs what? We're living peacefully, and all we care about is power."
"If Guile heard you..."
She placed her hands on her hips and scoffed. "Like I care what Guile thinks. He's just your average man- obsessed with the most power. It's sickening."
Neither of them said anything for a while. Frederick wanted change for the Cyprus family, that was obvious, but he didn't want to put his growing family in danger. Guile, the head of the family, wanted power more than anyone.
The Respicios... what irritating brats they are! He would chant during conspirators meetings. Such fools who do not realize what power they have! They don't deserve such royalty as we do! Speeches like these would usually follow with chants of approval and great applause.
"He's not obsessed with power," Frederick said, although not too sure of himself. "He's like all of us; sick of being in the middle. Those Speotytos are are a useless bunch who shouldn't even be in the badlands..."
"Frederick... if we're ever going to start a family, you need stop conspiring against the other families. What would Little Sig think when he finds out daddy is a criminal?"
"Fine, I'll skip this one. Wait... 'Little Sig'? We've decided on a name already?"
"Our boy needs to be someone born without just parental guidance. He needs to be independent and strong. Like... a Siegfried."
He closed his eyes. Frederick wanted to have a son, one that could continue the lineage. He nodded. "Agreed. Wait, how do you know it's..."
"I know it's a boy..." she smiled and placed a hand on her stomach, not yet showing the signs of pregnancy. "His soul is strong."
2
A week passed and the air grew cold, as if sensing an oncoming battle. Frederick entered the tavern quietly, as not to disturb another of Guile's speeches. Thorsten greeted him at the entrance, his long red hair making him a sore thumb.
"What's up, Fred?"
"Frederick. And it is quite cold this evening."
"I hear that." Thorsten, only 17, was rather energetic and irritating. "Guile's going off on one of those speeches again... I know I'm on your guy's side now, but jeez."
"You'll soon find that our family is more serious than yours. I advise you to watch and learn, Respicio."
He shot him a look- one of an adolescent with an attitude- and looked back at the chanting form that was the leader of the Cyprus. Guile seemed to notice Frederick's entrance and motioned him to step up to the stand.
"Ah, yes. Here, we have my second in command! Cyprus, you all know him as Frederick, one of the most royal fathers in our family!" Frederick, completely immersed in authority (and apparently now titled as a "royal father", whatever that meant), puffed his chest with pride. Minor applause followed.
Guile motioned a larger man standing behind him, one fully clad in body-armor. "Rüstung will now report!"
Rüstung took the stand (or as Thorsten would joke, "took up the entire stand") and spoke. "My men have witnessed more and more pathetic actions by the Respicios. They have seen Speotytos actually get paid for forging weaponry!"
Boo's rained from the crowd. "They should be hung!" Shouted one. "Why would they get paid for doing what they're supposed to be doing all along!" Shouted another.
"This power belongs to us!" Rüstung continued. "Such feeble actions are nothing compared to the paths we take! Ones of bravery and honor!" More applause. Guile motioned him aside and continued his speech.
3
"I despise the man so much," Rüstung told Frederick later. "Using me like a puppet. Chanting his stupid speeches. There are days when I feel like crushing his skull myself."
"He is quite impatient, isn't he?" He took a sip from his drink. "My wife despises him as much as you do."
"Speaking of your family, Frederick, the rest of the generals are thinking that you should skip the mission."
"Excuse me!? Just why would I do that? You of all people know that I'm an asset to this team! I'm one of the only-"
"Yes, yes, you're one of the only Demon Weapons on our squad. But think about it; you have a family you need to take care of. Your child might even become another Weapon who can join our squad."
He scoffed, waving a hand. "There's not need to worry, you armor-clad fool, Margaret is strong on her own. She could even be my Krieger if she had the proper training. She can sense souls, you know."
"Bringing a pregnant woman into battle? What are you, insane? We need to continue this lineage, not destroy it!"
But Frederick didn't hear a word of Rüstung's lecture. All he heard was what Guile announced on the stand.
"My fellow Cyprus and few Respicio, I give you great news! The leader of our overthrow will be none other than the Demon Weapon who kept our family storng; Frederick Cyprus!"
His eyes widened and his heart stopped as applause turned thunderous. It could even be heard in the Speotyto camps, where a mother held her crying child's hand.
"Calm down, Argyle, everything is going to be alright."
How wrong the poor Speotytos were. They had no idea a revolt was coming from the most regal of families.
So my father was part of a conspiracy group? What's the big deal?
In time, boy. Give me a chance to refill my tea...