Darilsheid (Chapter 4) – Leon
Leon watched the young archer and the Prince exit the Throne Room. The girl was a good archer, but too naive. He turned to the Kings and Hugo and announced, "Your Majesties, there was a beast in the hallway beside the mess hall."
The King of Darilsheid look astonished, "Really? I imagine you got rid of it."
"Yes." Leon subconsciously put his hand on Chaltier as he remembered the battle. "All that's left are remains."
The King nodded. "Good job. We will have someone clean that up shortly."
"I believe we should figure out how this creature managed to get inside of the castle. And Corporal Keams showed acts of a coward…something that should be taken care of as well." Leon frowned, "Soldiers are not meant for the weak." Leon despised wimps; bravery was respected in his books.
"You are correct, Lieutenant Magnus. Both problems will be taken care of."
As they finished their discussion, the Throne Room door opened, and several Generals and soldiers entered. The promotion ceremony was going to begin soon, and the army was filing in to get ready. Leon joined them in his regular spot. To his surprise Langer was there on time, and his uniform was done up nicely.
Langer seemed to notice Leon looking at him and he sneered, "Good luck, Magnus. You'll need it, you stupid kid."
Leon gave him a pitiful look. Only an idiot would waste his time making moronic insults to a sixteen-year-old kid. He didn't bother say anything, figuring it would be a waste of energy. If only that fool knew he had such a low chance at getting the promotion over him.
The King announced the occasion to make it final, and then called General Ashley to lead the ceremony. The General hollered out some basic drill, to get the corps warmed up, and then marched them outside. Leon marched alongside Langer, focusing on keeping in step rather than the Sergeant's constant smug looks. As they marched outside, Leon noticed just about everyone in the city was standing on the sidelines, and a bunch of decorations were displayed beside the marching route.
The military group marched through Darilsheid's city in the organized way they had gone through yesterday, and finally reached the city square, where they stopped and formed up. Hundreds of people crowded around the sides, watching the beginning of the ceremony intently.
General Ashley marched up in front of the corps, came to attention, ease, and then easy. Leon noted his perfect uniform, the uniform that he had always chosen as an example for his own. Ashley cleared his throat, and began the speech - loud and clear through a megaphone so that everyone around could hear. "Soldiers of the Darilsheid Army Corps! Today is a special day, as you all know. Today is the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary since Darilsheid's Army came into existence. Today, one hundred and fifty years ago, General Darilsheid created this army. And we shall never forget his courage and enthusiasm for our country, and ambition to create a defense to save Seinegald." He paused, letting the beginning sink into all the Soldiers minds.
"And to honor this special occasion, the King and I have chosen a Soldier to be promoted, due to his remarkable work in the forces. In all his years serving the Darilsheid Army, he has grown and became an excellent swordsman. Therefore, he will be promoted to the rank of Master Swordsman." Ashley looked over at his corps proudly.
Leon looked beside him to see Langer looking at General Ashley as though he were a god. He really thinks he's going to get it, doesn't he? Leon thought to himself, semi-amused. He wouldn't mind seeing the irritating Sergeant be proven wrong for once.
The General began to speak again, going on about the many things this Soldier has done for the Kingdom, and all the hard work he put into what he does. Leon tuned out somewhat, even though it was all praise directed at him. He saw Hugo standing to the far right, watching the occasion with his arms crossed.
The King of Darilsheid and General Ashley both went to the side to have a short talk. Then, the King picked up the Master Swordsman badge and walked in front of the corps. The crowed grew excited, wondering which Soldier would get the promotion. Even the soldiers in the platoons were anxious. Except Leon. He was stifling yawns, and found this whole ceremony quite boring.
"I would like to give this promotion to..." The King trailed off, probably just for the drama.
Leon felt a jab in his left side and turned to see Langer grinning with a smug grin. Leon returned a cold, uninterested glare. He saw the Sergeant mouth the words "you lose," and then snicker. The younger soldier just rolled his eyes.
"...Our youngest member of the army, Lieutenant Leon Magnus!" The crowd cheered loudly as Leon marched up to the stage. As he passed by Langer, he finally got to give back a smug grin, but he was grinning at the state of shock the older soldier seemed to be in.
He reached the stage and came to attention in front of the ruler of Seinegald. The King and Leon exchanged salutes and then Leon was handed his badge. He stepped back, saluted again, and marched back toward his position followed by loud, long cheers and applause. As he passed by Hugo, he saw the older man seemed happy and nodded to the boy as he passed. Leon continued on, without making any sign of joy. He didn't feel it. He did deserve the badge, since he was the best swordsman - comparable to the seven Generals, which was extraordinary considering his age - but it was just another rung on the rank ladder to him.
As Leon went back to his position, he saw Langer staring straight ahead, not looking at anyone. Leon hid a smile, something he was good at, and continued to listen to the King speak to the people about the 150 years of Darilsheid. He sort of wanted to rub it in Langer's face that he did not "win" but figured it would be too much of a bother. And that would be acting like the foolish Sergeant anyway.
The rest of the ceremony was relatively boring, after the corps had been dismissed. There was a reception, lots of food and drinks...many people had came up to Leon to congratulate him on the promotion. It got old very fast...the Master Swordsman was proud of his rank, but he hated how Hugo had hovered around him, sucking up a lot of the attention.
When the reception was over, it was nearing dark. The ceremony had lasted all day and everyone seemed to be tired, so people began to leave and the clean up crews came out. Hugo was talking to a group of high-ranking officers, and Leon noticed Langer and a few other Soldiers were in there as well. He knew what they were talking about as soon as the President of the Oberol Corporation gestured for Leon to come over to him.
Approaching the group Hugo greeted him with, "Hello, Leon...our new Master Swordsman. We're heading back to the mansion, and you will accompany us."
Leon nodded, since there was no way he was allowed to decline. He wondered if the other people and soldiers saw how Hugo ordered him around. He dismissed the thought, uncaring and walked through the calmer streets of the city to their big house. Entering, the group headed to the door on the right, which brought them to Hugo's discussion room. A modern table sat in the middle of the room, several chairs attached to it. There was a kitchen type counter for coffee and other casual needs.
They all sat down at the table, Hugo making sure Leon was to his left. The boy noticed Langer sat as far away from him as possible. He had been ignoring Leon ever since the promotion. However, the Sergeant initiated the discussion, "As we were conferring, we need to gain control of that amulet. It is of dire importance."
Leon decided not to say anything about his experience with it today, so he kept his mouth shut. They often talked about this Amulet of Atamoni; it supposedly could do all these things, and would be a great help towards the manufacturing and keeping the monopoly in the Oberol Corporation.
"We have confirmed that Garr does not own it now, but we have suspicion he knows where it is." Hugo reported, the other members nodding.
One of the higher-ranking officers, General Leem, spoke up, "Perhaps we should keep him in Darilsheid, and pursue this clue. He is our only lead on this..."
Another one nodded, "If we use...measures, I'm sure we can find out just where it is."
Langer frowned. "We cannot be too rash. He is the Prince of Phandaria, after all. If the public found out we did anything to harm him, Oberol would be in great jeopardy."
"What about that archer he lives with?" A figure of authority asked.
Leon paid full attention at this part. Hugo looked at the General and rested his head in his hand, "Yes, Alba could know something about it. He's been around the area for a long time..." He thought for a second. "We will have to speak to Garr tomorrow morning. He's staying in the Velvet Inn, room 21 on the second floor."
The boy was surprised how they knew this, but figured it was all part of being a president of a huge corporation and having lots of money. He tuned out for the rest of the meeting, and after the men had left, he started to head to his room but Hugo stopped him.
"You don't know anything about the amulet, do you?" He asked his son. Leon looked at his face to see if he was suspicious, but he could not pick up anything.
Leon stared back at Hugo coldly. I would never tell you, he thought bitterly. "No." He answered shortly.
"You will come to the Castle tomorrow morning while we interrogate Garr." Hugo informed him.
The Swordian Master had no choice, so he nodded and left. He was not interested in anything about this amulet. Seinegald held the Eye of Atamoni, Hugo was the president of the largest company in the world, and was probably the richest man, too...save royalty. He didn't see why they needed to get this amulet. However, he knew that nothing would change Hugo's mind, especially anything Leon said.
He reached his room and entered, feeling the day's activities finally wear him out.
Good job on your promotion, young master.
Leon was startled by his Swordian's voice. He had remained silent all day, and Leon realized he'd almost forgotten about Chaltier. "Yeah... I guess I deserved it. Even if I would have gotten it anyway."
He dressed for sleep in his silk pajamas, and then asked aloud to his sword. "Do you think I should have told Hugo about what I know?"
I don't know. Whatever you feel is right, Leon...
He figured Chaltier would say something like that. "You were in the military, Chal...I guess you know how it feels." The Swordian did not say anything.
Leon walked over to the window by his room, and stared outside. It was a peaceful not, not many people on the streets and a clear sky. He looked up to the sky, the black void that matched his own feelings, and wondered where sister was, and what she was doing.
He placed Chaltier in his sheath and placed the sword beside his pillow, like he had done ever since he could remember. Leon climbed into his freshly changed and made sheets, and lie awake in bed. He slept rarely, and every night he sat in bed remembering all the good and bad times of his childhood, his past haunting him like an angry ghost. It was almost like Emilio Katrea hovered above his bed, constantly reminding him of everything he had left behind...
Darilsheid Castle's doors opened so loudly, making a brazen clang as they hit the walls on the inside. Leon entered, followed by two other Soldiers as they walked straight to the Throne Room. The King of Darilsheid knew what they were going to do, so he said nothing as the Master Swordsman and his two men exited to the left, toward the War Room. King Sark had left last night for Phandaria on a specialty boat, so there wasn't much to worry about.
Leon and the two Soldiers made their way to the War Room, a room designated for anything military based. Discussions, assignments, materials, interrogations. They entered, and were met by a bunch of chairs followed by a platform. They would question the Prince in here, where no one could really hear them. The King did not know exactly what subject they were grilling the Prince on, but he let his military officers carry on their protected business.
The three Soldiers waited in the room as they were ordered, for Hugo, Langer and their assemblage to return from the Inn. The wait was not that long; ten minutes, perhaps. They heard approaching footsteps and Garr's familiar voice. As the door opened, three guards came in, followed by Hugo and Langer, and then Garr, shouting angrily, along with many more guards. Obviously, the Prince did not feel like cooperating this morning.
They dragged the struggling Garr through the room, and as he passed by Leon, they exchanged recognized looks, but Leon did not say anything. He was not on his father's side, and he wanted to save the knowledge he had. Garr took this as a good sign, and pretended he did not know the boy.
He continued to struggle to get away, but the numerous guards pulled him up on the platform that served as the stage, where they threw him down in a chair. He immediately jumped up, furious at what they were doing, but the many guards stopped him. There was nothing the Prince could do right now, he was far outnumbered. They managed to tie him down, through a lot of struggling and arguing.
"Release me at once!" He demanded, his anger overpowering his normal calm poseur.
Langer stepped to the front where Garr narrowed his eyes into slits. "Sure, right after you tell us just where you put the Amulet of Atamoni."
Leon saw Garr protest against the ropes that held him to the chair. "I don't know anything about that amulet." His voice sounded tedious, like he had said this many times before.
Hugo stepped up beside Langer, holding a Long Sword in his right hand, as if threatening. "You will answer what we ask you. We know you know something about that charm, and all we want to know is who owns it. Then, we will let you go with no harm."
Garr glowered at the blade. "You wouldn't dare...don't you realize who I am?"
"We know who you are. We also know who you know." Hugo raised the sword and pointed it at Garr. "It will be much easier and less painful if you comply." The evil president of the Oberol Company touched the blade of the sword to Garr's neck and raised his chin with it. "I will ask you again...who has the Amulet of Atamoni?"
"Even if I knew, I would never tell you." Garr's stubbornness would eventually get him killed soon, Leon knew. "Who are you, Hugo? I thought you were a decent man! Now I see you have teamed up with this lunatic, here..." he nodded toward Langer.
He's got you there, Hugo, Leon thought. He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. He would not contribute to this interrogation, rather just sit back and watch.
Langer took an angry step forward, "I am not a lunatic! You will pay for that comment..." he snarled at the man in front of him.
Hugo grew impatient, "If you will not tell us where the Amulet of Atamoni is, we will have to use harsher measures." He withdrew his sword and looked at King Sark's eldest son, watching his response.
Garr looked at Hugo and Langer long and carefully. He seemed to savor the moment where they could do nothing; Leon knew that Garr was aware of what was in store for him. "You will never get anything out of me." He said each word with pure bitter hatred.
Sergeant Langer stood up very straight, "Fine, if that's what you chose to do, so be it." He glanced at the well-built guard beside him and nodded.
The guard walked forward to the prisoner tied in the chair. Garr looked up at the man, knowing what he was going to do. He braced himself as the guard's fist slammed into his stomach, hard, and he lurched forward in pain. "I don't care what you do to me; you'll never know--Ugh!" Garr received another blow in the same area, knocking him back in the chair.
Langer seemed to be enjoying this, and stepped forward to join in. He punched the Prince hard across the jaw, forcing his head to fly to the left. "That's for your pitiful insult." He muttered. Leon saw a line of blood appear on Garr's lip as he turned back.
Garr took punch after punch, bash after bash as the group pummeled him, hoping at any time he would give in. They kept it up for what seemed like ages to Leon, as he watched the young man get beaten up. But bravely, Garr never uttered a clue to the amulet's location.
By this time, Langer and company was getting fed up with no results. And Garr was black and blue, bruises everywhere, blood covering his face, his silver hair messy and all in his face. His dark blue eyes were still angry and still alive, though. Langer and Hugo were getting very tired of this game.
Hugo stepped up, seeming exhausted. He was getting irritated, landed a hard blow underneath Garr's jaw.
"Where…" Another bloody punch, from the left.
"Is…" This time, a powerful biff from the right.
"The…" A double punch this time, from both ways.
"AMULET?" And finally, as he yelled this last word, he jammed his fist into the Prince of Phandaria's gut, making him keel over as far as he could in the chair, moaning in pain.
After regaining some strength, Garr savagely looked up at the Oberon President with two bloody, black eyes, and to everyone's surprise, laughed. "As I told you many times: I won't tell you!" He laughed harder, and fell back into the chair.
Sergeant Langer pulled out his sword, and walked around to behind Garr. He pressed the knife against the Prince's throat, a final threat, and warned him in total anger, "This is your last chance, Prince...tell us where the damned amulet is, or you will be seeing a lot more of your blood than you have already!"
Leon knew Langer would not kill the man, since the public would go into chaos if anything happened to their Prince. Well, he was pretty sure Langer wouldn't as he watched the Sergeant's eyes emanate an angry, almost crazy look in them...