Birthright

The sun poured through the window in the early morning, and Lorian was greeted with silence, as if the commotion the evening before hadn't occurred. It was a deceptive silence, he knew, for the madness of Oceiros would need to be dealt with or this would become a frequent occurrence. He was thankful for Lothric's preparation to have the Queen removed from the castle, out of harm's way, though he suspected Lothric had done it for more than just her safety.

His brother was already awake, it seemed - or perhaps had not managed to fall back asleep judging by the dark smudges beneath his eyes. Lothric sat across the room from him on the bed, hunched over a piece of parchment that he was intently focused on. There were other discarded pieces of parchment on the floor, one of which Lorian picked up and read; it read like a poem about oceans and deep seas.

"A poem?" he asked as he sat up, and Lothric jumped, dragging a line of ink across the parchment.

"A letter."

"To whom?"

"Pontiff Sulyvahn." Lothric set the letter down and turned to face him. "It has begun."

Lorian frowned. "What has?"

"I spoke with the Fire Keeper last evening while the castle was distracted with taming Oceiros. I gave her the eyes."

"And what did they reveal?"

"A future beyond the First Flame. Small embers in the darkness. It was not what either Sulyvahn or Gertrude described in their visions of the future, but it is enough." Lothric hesitated before continuing, "There was an offer, though she did not speak it aloud, to extinguish the flame outright at once."

The fact that Lorian had awoken this morning at all, and that Lothric was back in his bed, told him all he needed to know about what Lothric had decided. "You have no regrets?"

"None," Lothric said confidently. He grabbed the letter, tossing it aside, likely because it would need to be re-written now that there was a streak of ink across the page. "I will let it fade to ash in time."

"The world will continue to rot until it fades."

"And the moment the final ember fades to ash, so too will we both die. You will die."

"I have died twice already."

Lothric's face darkened as he cruelly declared, "And I would sooner let this kingdom and the whole world fall to ruin, than to needlessly sacrifice what remains of your life while there is still time left."

It was pointless to argue with Lothric once he made up his mind; a lesson Lorian had learned many times over. Rather than chastise or argue with him, Lorian decided to be grateful for his brother's selfishness.

"I fear I must ask a favor," Lothric started as he moved off the bed. "Oceiros must be dealt with."

"You have a plan then?" Lorian rose from the chair, moving to don his armor.

"Yes. I plan to order him confined to the mausoleum. No doubt that is where he will attempt to continue going regardless. If he seeks his precious child Ocelotte, I will see to it that they are reunited indefinitely."

"And in doing so, you also place him directly in the path to the Firelink Shrine."

Lothric smiled proudly. Nothing delighted him as much as when Lorian acknowledged the unsaid portions of his plans. "Exactly so."

"Precisely how do you plan on keeping him there? He is still King."

"A king unfit to rule, as I am certain all will agree. I have already been given provisional power and have authority equal to his own. In the absence of his sanity, I have the authority to order his royal guard to see to his oversight." Lothric picked up the parchment he had discarded earlier. "And I believe the Pontiff will make good on his offer of assistance."

Lorian was in the process of buckling his armor at the mention of the Pontiff. "If he sends any resources, the people will see it as a threat."

"It will be my responsibility to ensure the people see it as a gift to celebrate the alliance between our kingdoms."

"And the Pillars?"

"I will deal with them. I have already sent word to Emma, Allric, and Wulfred."

"Do you trust Allric?"

"I did once, but he was Gotthard's selection to act as the leader of the Black Hand in his absence. That is why Kamui will be there as well, but you will not be there to witness it."

Lorian hummed in understanding. "You would have me move Oceiros while you convene the Pillars."

"Precisely. I trust I have your permission to speak on your behalf?"

"You know that you do. It was why Wulfred opposed my acceptance of the position in the first place."

Lothric handed him his helmet after he had secured his final gauntlet in place. "We will talk more later. You will need to move swiftly."

With little more than a slight inclination of his head, Lorian donned his helmet and left the room. If he was to move Oceiros, he needed information, and more importantly, more bodies to contain him if he refused to cooperate. Wynfrith and Eadric were certain to be at the barracks at this time of morning, along with a few of Ocerios's royal guards. The others would be with the King already.

"Prince Lorian," Wynfrith greeted with surprise as she saw him approach the barracks. "Has something happened?"

"Orders from Prince Lothric. Gather Eadric and the King's royal guards that are off duty."

"At once!"

It didn't take long for Wynfrith to gather up the knights as Lorian had requested. The leader of Oceiros's guard, Birstan, stepped forward, saluting. "Knight General, Prince Lothric has orders for us?"

"We are to escort King Oceiros to the mausoleum. Those in his royal guard will be stationed there permanently."

"The mausoleum? Because that is where he keeps going?" Lorian nodded and Birstan sighed. "All right. If he's not there already he'll be at the Archives."

It was what Lorian suspected as well. "Eadric, check the Archives and report back."

"No need," called out Albert as he made his presence known. "The King is already at the gardens. Allric had been keeping watch on him all morning until he was summoned away by Prince Lothric."

Lorian nodded. While being constantly shadowed within the castle walls by the hunters could be a detriment at times, it also ensured they always have the most up to date information available.

The knights fell in line behind him as Lorian led them through the castle down to the gardens. Sure enough, Oceiros was there, but he was no longer screaming or bellowing. Instead, he stood atop the raised platform in the center of the gardens where Lorian used to train. He looked almost tranquil in his thoughts.

Lorian motioned for the knights to each take up a position around the raised platform before ascending the stairs to face him. "King Oceiros."

"My son," he greeted, voice heavy in a rare moment of lucidity. "Have you at last come to betray me? To mock me for believing that I could bear an heir stronger than you while you stand before me now, the strongest and bravest of all my children?"

It was the furthest thing from what Lorian had expected that he was taken aback by the comment. The flame of resentment he had buried deep within himself sparked back to life; and even though he had sworn long ago that he no longer cared what Oceiros had thought of him, the rejection from his father still festered within him like an open wound. His hand itched to reach for his sword, but he pushed back the temptation, reminding himself that nothing Oceiros said or did mattered any longer.

"No," Oceiros muttered after Lorian refused to answer him, "it wouldn't be you that betrays me, not when your brother dreams of betrayal enough for both of you."

The madness was beginning to creep in again as Oceiros began circling Lorian, nostrils flaring in anger.

"Lothric has no intention of betraying you. He only seeks to prevent you from harming others and yourself."

Oceiros barked out a laugh. "Is that what he told you, or is that what you tell yourself so that you might claim ignorance? You think I am a fool? You think I do not see the way he has twisted my own kingdom against me? I know what he has done!"

Now Lorian did reach for his sword, holding it cautiously by his side as Oceiros grabbed at his head, screaming in some combination of madness and anger. "He only seeks to protect the kingdom."

"Protect it? You are a naive disgrace!" Oceiros roared as he turned on Lorian. "Is that why he sent my Black Hand away with my wife in the middle of the night? Is that why he has seized full control over MY kingdom, and why you follow his every order like an obedient dog? Why he has sent you to dispose of me like all his other enemies?"

The ground beneath Lorian's feet began to shudder and seemingly ice over. He moved away a split second before spikes of crystal erupted where he had just been standing, and around the platform Lorian saw the knights leap into action, drawing their weapons and moving to ascend the steps. But Lorian held up his free hand to stop them. He would not allow Oceiros the satisfaction.

"Look me in the eye and tell me your brother has any intention of linking the fire!" Oceiros bellowed.

Lorian walked by the crystal spikes that had shattered until he was standing in front of the beast who was once his father. He spoke in a low voice so that only Oceiros would be able to hear him, "Let the fire fade and this world along with it. This mausoleum will become your grave as you fade into a memory."

"You insolent, self-serving, cretin!" Oceiros howled, turning sharply and using his tail to swipe at Lorian. His movements were sluggish in comparison to the Demon Prince, making it easy to side step out of the way even in his weakened condition. Lorian motioned for the knights to join him.

"King Oceiros, we do not wish to harm you," Birstan tried to reason.

"So they have poisoned your minds as well. My own guard."

"There is no need to fight." He continued, though he was brandishing his spear and keeping his distance from the King. "Our orders are only to ensure you remain here. Peacefully."

Lorian had retreated back in-line with the knights at this point as he watched Oceiros. "Birstan, I trust you and your men can manage him?"

"Yes, Knight General."

"If there are any changes-" Lorian began, but wasn't able to finish his thought as the air itself reverberated around them. Not very far from where they stood, the bell tower in the Firelink Shrine rang out. The sound was deafening; Lorian fell to one knee as he felt the bond lash out, rippling with unfiltered anxiety. His heartbeat quickened.

Wynfrith and Eadric both rushed to his side, calling out in unison, "Knight General!"

Lorian had never believed the stories about the Firelink Shrine bell, and he was still skeptical despite feeling the effects himself. Part of him believed that what he was feeling was simply Lothric's unfiltered reaction, echoing between them.

Lothric.

He pushed himself back up to his feet, waving off Wynfrith and Eadric. Behind him, he could hear Oceiros raving in the gardens, but the old man was no longer any of his concern. He needed to reach the council chambers where Lothric was certain to be if the meeting with the Pillars was still taking place.

The council chambers felt like an eternity away as Lorian exited the gardens and navigated his way through the castle. The bell was still ringing, even now, and had drawn out all the knights and servants within the castle, many of whom were covering their ears from the deafening sound. Both Wynfrith and Eadric were still chasing after him; whether out of a sense of responsibility or to make sure Lothric was safe, he couldn't be certain.

The doors were already wide open as Lorian approached and he was grateful to see Kamui stationed outside. "Prince Lorian," he greeted. "Lady Emma has already sent Allric to fetch Master Aelfric, but we're fairly certain he is beyond the help of simple poultices."

Lorian nodded in acknowledgement as he moved into the room where Emma and Wulfred were each hovering over Lothric, though each had vastly different reasons. His brother was seated, hunched over the table with his hands pressed firmly over his ears, faint markings of blood showing where he had clawed into his flesh in an attempt to drown out the noise.

"Thank the Gods you're here, Prince Lorian. I had expected there would be an adverse reaction, but never like this," Emma said, clearly shaken. "I had spoken with the Queen when she informed us this would happen, that all those with strength enough to rekindle the Flame or those who were born with a strong connection to it, would feel the call when the bells tolled."

"It's truly fascinating. I had never believed in the superstition regarding the Shrine belltower, but it appears that King Oceiros had been correct when he declared that Prince Lothric would have the strength to rekindle the Flame as a Lord of Cinder." Wulfred commented.

With little ceremony, Lorian pushed Wulfred aside, kneeling beside Lothric. He quickly stripped off his right gauntlet and placed his hand on Lothric's wrist, recalling how physical contact had played such a significant role in the past where the bond was concerned. It seemed to be enough to pull Lothric out of his stupor as he raised his head. Lorian felt the deafening echoes of the bell echo through him, and beyond it an icy chill settled in his chest.

"Lorian," Lothric said weakly. "Please, make it stop."

"There is only one way to make it stop, Prince Lothric," Emma said sternly. Lorian had expected more sympathy from the woman, but considering this was the culmination of her life's purpose, perhaps he should not have found her cold tone as shocking as he did. "You must fulfill your birthright and link the flame."

Lorian ignored her and stood, pulling Lothric to his feet alongside him. With one swift motion he let go of Lothric's wrist and lifted him in his arms.

"Yes, you will need to accompany him, Prince Lorian. See to it he makes it to the Shrine safely."

"I am not taking him to the Shrine," Lorian said curtly, feeling the way Lothric shivered in his arms.

"But, he must!" Emma followed after him as he walked out of the council chambers. He took note of Kamui, Wynfrith, and Eadric all falling in formation behind them. "His condition will not get better unless he rekindles the flame. That is his destiny."

The sound of footsteps running towards them had Lorian on edge until he saw that it was Kriemhild sprinting toward them from the direction of the Archives. She chastised Emma, "If he links the flame in the condition he is in now, he'll die anyway."

"Yes, a noble sacrifice that he has been aware of since he was born, an oath he swore to uphold when he accepted the crown."

"Do you truly believe in his condition his sacrifice would provide more than a few more years to the flame?"

"It must. He was born to become a Lord of Cinder, he bears the bloodline worthy of the title. If he cannot link the flame, then there are none who can." Emma pleaded, "Please, Prince Lorian. Reconsider this."

What they did not realize was the decision was never his - it had always been Lothric's, and he would stand by Lothric's decision regardless of the consequences.

The castle was washed in silence as the tolling of the bell finally ceased, and the group came to a stop.

"Prince Lothric!" insisted Emma.

He raised his head from where it had been pressed into Lorian's shoulder and peered at the woman, hissing, "Enough."

"But-!"

"Enough," he repeated, before lowering his head again.

Lorian continued on, and this time Emma did not continue to follow them. The others, on the other hand, had insisted on following them as Lorian finally reached Lothric's bedchamber. He opened the door and set Lothric down on the bed, watching as he immediately began pulling the covers over himself before exiting the room and turning to the group.

"What are your orders, Prince Lorian?" Wynfrith asked. Her expression was as solemn as the rest as they all looked to him for direction.

"Go with Eadric and organize the royal guard. I want every entrance to this wing of the Keep guarded. I will be sending word that any knights on patrol outside of Lothric's immediate borders are to return at once, and I want them re-assigned to internal patrols." As soon as he finished giving the order, Wynfrith and Eadric both saluted and ran off down the hall.

"I came as quickly as I could, but I fear I have no new information that can help Prince Lothric." Kriemhild said.

"Prince Lothric trusts you, Mistress Kriemhild. See to it that you keep an eye on Wulfred. If you hear or see anything, I trust you will find a way to pass the information along discreetly."

"Of course." She smiled at Kamui and waved to Albert who had just passed Wynfrith and Eadric while on his way towards Lorian, before she headed back towards the Archives.

"Prince Lorian," Albert greeted. "King Oceiros's guard are keeping watch over him in the gardens. He got a little frisky, but nothing that couldn't be handled. I trust Prince Lothric is well?"

"He is alive." Lorian spared a glance back to the room before turning to the two hunters. "Kamui, please keep an eye on Lady Emma. Albert, I will entrust you to guard this door."

"We won't let you down," Albert assured him. Kamui nodded in silent agreement before bowing his head and heading back to where Emma had stopped following.

It was a temporary solution; Lorian would need to convene the knights to give proper orders and also determine what role the heretics and loyalists would play in the days to come. But first, he needed to ensure that Lothric was well. The agony lessened when the bell ceased, but the deathly chill lingered.

As soon as the door shut behind him, Lothric called out to him. "Thank you."

"How do you feel?" Lorian asked, approaching the bed.

Bundled in his prayer robes and beneath the covers, Lothric extended a hand out, patting the bed beside him. "It feels as if I am in the clutches of death itself. There is a coldness that has settled within me that I cannot shake. You feel it the same, I expect."

"Yes," Lorian agreed. He removed his gauntlets and helmet, but not the rest of his armor, knowing he would need to leave again to set the peoples' minds at ease. The preachings of the church were ingrained in the culture of Lothric so much that every common layperson would know the significance of the bells. "What do you need?"

"A moment's peace. To breathe. To think." Lothric exhaled deeply, and Lorian sat on the edge of the bed in the silence until he was ready to speak again. "Emma and Wulfred will be a problem."

"They are being watched. Wulfred by Kriemhild, and Emma by Kamui."

Lothric hummed in approval. "You have always been brighter than any dared give you credit for."

"Only what I have learned by observing you," Lorian assured him, and it was the truth. He had a sense for combat and strategy, but politics and manipulation were his brother's battlefield, and he had learned all he knew now by watching Lothric navigate such dynamics with ease. "Were you able to send your letter?"

"Yes, I took time to finish it while the Pillars assembled. Though now I suspect the arrival may cause more questions and concern than I had initially anticipated."

"You will only be able to hide behind the excuse of your poor health for so long before the people begin to question your true intent. Arrivals from Irithyll will exacerbate the doubts."

"I know," Lothric sighed. "But there is no alternative. We have already had this discussion what seems a lifetime ago."

"Much has changed since then," Lorian reminded him.

"Not enough to change our fate."

"You never accounted for having allies."

"The royal guard and a handful of hunters will hardly make a difference."

"You saw to it yourself that we would have more allies than just those. There is an entire splinter sect of heretics within the knights that are prepared to fight for the future of Man and the extinguishment of the First Flame. There is also Mistress Kriemhild in the Archives."

"And I did not anticipate the drastic shortage in our food supply and how it would weaken the populace," Lothric agreed. He had shifted from accepting his fate to planning to rebel against it. "If Irithyll sends even a handful of reinforcements on par with the woman that accompanied him, they would make a noticeable difference."

Lorian recalled her well and still had the scars from their spar as a reminder. "If there is a siege on the Keep in an attempt to reach you, I will ensure that it fails."

"What of Oceiros? And the wyverns?"

"Oceiros will remain in the mausoleum." Lorian assured him. "And as Knight General, the wyverns and their riders will follow my commands."

"Then all we need is to buy enough time to survive."