Grave

Lothric was impressed by the sheer efficiency with which Lorian was able to take charge amidst the chaos. It had been nearly a month and Lothric was certain that the side effects of the fading flame and the bond were truly beginning to wear on him. But they continued on, though each day felt like they were biding time until the inevitable. Always waiting for the knife in the back that never came.

Lothric's days dragged on with little he could do or manage for the kingdom; he had lost all correspondence with their neighboring regions, with the exception of Pontiff Sulyvahn, whose assistance had arrived with a surprising haste.

Kriemhild had seen to the arrangement and placement of the grave tenders, making use of her silencing sorcery to lead them beyond Oceiros, who remained within the mausoleum, and towards the graves that led to the Firelink Shrine. In the days since he had been cast aside to remain there, the mutation that had seized his body had only continued to worsen his condition. Kriemhild reported that he had lost his sight entirely, and now had the unsettling addition of strange growths sprouting from his back.

The handful of Outrider Knights also sent by Sulyvahn reported directly to Lorian, carrying a promise from the Pontiff that additional support could be provided should the situation grow dire. Lothric hoped to never need to take the Pontiff up on that particular offer, unclear on precisely what it would entail.

Curiously enough, a handful of knights that had been stationed at the Cathedral of the Deep also arrived - more of Sulyvahn's influence no doubt - to which Lothric had instructed them to watch over the gardens as well.

They were holding out surprisingly well, considering the depths of betrayal Lothric was committing. Emma had fled from the public eye as Head Priestess, seeking refuge amongst her faithful, and Lothric couldn't help but draw a comparison to Gertrude's own self-exile and following.

Wulfred, on the other hand it seemed, had given up on the premise of the First Flame, and instead devoted his time along with the Crystal Sage to unlocking the remaining mysteries of the Paledrake.

If Kriemhild's original teachings held true, there would be a second tolling of the bell to raise the previous Lords of Cinder, to call them to fulfill their duty and rekindle the flame once more. The thought alone was enough to set Lothric on edge.

Lothric was pulled from his thoughts by a knock at his door - the only ones who had permission these days were Albert, Kamui, and Lorian. Though his brother usually did not announce his presence by knocking. "Enter."

"Prince Lothric," Kamui greeted with a bow as he opened the door. "Mistress Kriemhild wishes to speak with you. She insists it's urgent."

He waved for Kamui to send her in, and immediately rose to his feet upon seeing the look on her face - a mixture of terror and disbelief. "What happened?"

"Lady Gertrude is dead," she choked out. "I don't know when it happened, but when Wulfred found her body, he went mad. As mad as King Oceiros, my Lord."

"Catch your breath and speak clearly. I need precise details of what occurred."

"When I saw what happened, I accused him of killing her by keeping her caged like an animal." She let out a shaky breath. "That's when he turned on me. I fled to a section of the Archives that no one else really knows. There's a section that can be sealed off by the bookcases if you know what you're doing. I trapped him within and ran straight here. If word gets out what happened to Lady Gertrude-"

If luck was on his side at all, the man would rot in the Archives where Kriemhild had sealed him. Lothric placed a hand on her shoulder. "You did well."

"Thank you, Prince Lothric."

"Kamui," he called out. The man had undoubtedly been listening to the entire exchange. "Go to the Archives. See if you can find out who is responsible for Gertrude's death."

"At once."

"Kriemhild, go with Kamui. Seal the Archives, all the entrances. And if you see Albert on the way, take him with you. We cannot be certain what awaits you."

The pair nodded and ran out of the room while Lothric took a moment to compose himself. If there was one event that could break the tentative peace within Lothric, this was it.

He needed to find Lorian before all chaos broke loose.

Part of the increased security included having Lorian's chosen royal guard stationed at all entrances to the Keep near Lothric. More often than not, Wynfrith and Eadric took the closest posts, and he was pleased to find Wynfrith already waiting not too far from his door.

She saluted him as he approached. "Prince Lothric. I saw Kriemhild just now; she seemed shaken. Has something happened?

"I need to speak with Lorian at once. I trust you know where he is?"

"Yes, of course. He said he would be handling a rebellion that broke out just outside the Cathedral, some of Lady Emma's followers he suspected."

Lothric cursed under his breath. "Take me there. Bring the entirety of the royal guard if you must."

"Of course, wait here a moment while I gather them." She ran off down the halls, and he could hear the faint echo of the names she shouted.

A strong part of him was tempted to teleport down there to find Lorian himself, but he barely had the strength these days to teleport across a courtyard, let alone the entire castle. Not to mention, he couldn't be certain what would be waiting for him if there truly was a rebellion. Going alone would be reckless.

Wynfrith returned as quickly as she had promised with the rest of the royal guard in tow: Eadric, Oswin, Estrid, and Baldric. "Maerec is already with Prince Lorian," she explained before Lothric could even question his absence.

"What's the reason for all of this, Your Highness?" Oswin asked calmly.

Lothric began walking towards the front of the Keep, the guards falling in a natural formation around him. "There has been an assassination."

"Who?" Estrid asked.

"Lady Gertrude."

The sobering silence that followed that statement told Lothric that they understood the severity of her death, and he even heard Estrid muttering a prayer under her breath.

The castle, which had once been full of life, had become as silent as a grave in the past month. The faithful commoners despaired at the fact that Lothric refused to link the flame, while those who had been swayed by Gertrude's beliefs had become far more active - though still preferring to act from the shadows. It made for quite the unsettling experience as he left the confines of the Keep.

The pungent smell of burning flesh reached Lothric long before he caught sight of the first glimpse of blood in the streets. Wynfrith signaled to the others and they tightened their formation around Lothric as they continued to follow the carnage.

Lothric eventually caught sight of Lorian, standing at the center of it all with Maerec and a handful of knights at his side. When he heard the approaching footsteps, Lothric could see the visible confusion in the frown on his face until he caught sight of Lothric and his expression relaxed if only for a moment.

Against their protests, Lothric broke free from the cocoon of his guards, moving forward toward Lorian where he grabbed his forearm and pulled him aside. "Gertrude is dead. Kamui and Kriemhild are investigating it now, but there likely is not long before word spreads."

"Who else knows?" Lorian asked.

"Only Kamui, Kriemhild, and the guard." Lothric assured him. "Albert may as well if Kamui and Kriemhild stumbled upon him."

"And the Archives?"

"Kriemhild is sealing them." Lothric lowered his voice further before continuing, "She has already trapped Wulfred inside."

"For what reason?"

"Apparently he slipped into the same madness as Oceiros."

Lorian nodded in understanding. "I will begin organizing the rest of the knights and what priests remain. Fall back to the Keep."

Lothric placed a hand on the center of his breastplate, as if he could offer additional strength. "Stay safe."

His brother turned away back to the knights that were gathered around. "Maerec, find Elwin, Rimilda, Agnes, and Romund. Have Elwin take patrol of the High Wall, Rimilda will take the Courtyard, and Agnes and Romund take patrol of the Keep."

Maerec saluted and ran off towards the Dragon Barracks.

Lorian continued, turning to the knights, "Engelise, return to the barracks. I want every able bodied knight on patrol. The rest of you will remain here."

The knight saluted and ran off back to the barracks by the Keep.

"What of us," asked Baldric.

"Escort Prince Lothric back to the Keep. Ensure no harm comes to him."

"Prince Lothric." Kamui's voice called out from above him; Lothric looked up in time to see the hunter drop down from one of the buildings into the courtyard beside him. His face was flushed from exertion - whatever news he brought must have been urgent.

"What news, Kamui?"

"Nothing good, I fear." He held up the Hunter pillar ring. "I found him on the roof above the Archives."

"What of Allric?"

"Dead."

The implication that Allrich had been involved was something Lothric didn't have time to dwell on. Had it been ordered by Gotthard, or did he act of his own freewill? Or had he perhaps been attempting to protect her when he was struck down?

"Keep the ring. The timing is not ideal, but I entrust the title of Black Hand to you now, Kamui."

The other man attempted to reply, but whatever he had been about to say was interrupted by a monstrous roar from the sky above them. Above them was the dreadful sight of the large winged followers that Lorian had described from their time investigating Gertrude's followers. The description at the time had not done justice to their disturbing form.

"Protect the Prince!" shouted Wynfrith as she and the others rushed forward to form a protective guard around him.

There were three that had actual wings that flew overhead, but Lothric was certain that they were not the only ones that would be seen; they seemed to have a set path as well. Lothric turned back to Kamui. "Return to the Archives, I have plenty of protection here. See to it that Kriemhild is safe and the Archives are sealed."

Kamui tipped the brim of his hat before scaling the side of the building, back the way he had originally come from.

It seemed the commotion had been enough to rouse the dormant commoners who began to peer out of their homes where they saw Lothric and the others were gathered in the streets. One of them caught sight of Lothric and hollered out, "Traitor!"

Then, soon enough, more voices joined in. "Why did you forsake us, Prince Lothric?"

"You were supposed to rekindle the First Flame! You were supposed to save us!"

"The time of Gods is over!" Another voice countered. "Prince Lothric is ushering in a new Age, the one Lady Gertrude spoke of!"

Lothric fell back to Wynfrith's side where he was once again surrounded by the rich blues of the royal guard, and not a moment too soon as another one of the massive winged monstrosities wearing armor inscribed with the Angelic faith's symbol crashed down into the courtyard. Unlike the ones that had been on a path to the Archives, this one did not have functional wings.

Another landed beside it a moment later, both of them turning on the group with the same inhuman howl.

Lorian was at the forefront with the other knights as the royal guard pushed Lothric to fall back towards the Keep. Lorian's blade was a burning beacon, superheated by the remnant flame of the Demon Prince, able to fend off the attack from one of the creatures with ease. The knights who attempted to guard against the other one were not as fortunate. In addition to being massive, the creature had a terrifying strength as it gripped its blade tightly and began to turn in circles in a rampage, slicing through several of the knights that weren't able to block or dodge the attack.

Lothric lost sight of the attack as he was corralled up the steps, now only able to hear the screams of commoners, knights, and the monstrosities alike.

"Another one ahead of us!" Eadric called out.

"It tore through the patrol like they were nothing," Baldric pointed out. "I'll stay here with Oswin, we'll cover this path until Engelise returns with reinforcements."

"They might not be enough! We need everyone possible." Eadric countered.

"The alarm bells should have been rung by now. If they haven't it means the men stationed there are probably dead, so I'll take care of them." Estrid volunteered. "Wynfrith, Eadric, will you two be enough to protect Prince Lothric until reinforcements arrive?"

Wynfrith glanced back at where they had just come from, and Lothric followed her gaze, seeing Lorian falling back. "We'll be fine, we'll have the Knight General with us. Now, go!"

With that, Lothric's guard of five became a guard of two. But he didn't feel concerned for his own safety, not when Lorian was still within sight. Even at his weakest, Lorian would still have strength enough to be a threat to the strongest of foes.

Baldric and Oswin held true to their word as they skillfully intercepted the next creature, keeping it at a distance to occupy it without putting their lives directly in danger. They had been trained well - Lothric hoped they would survive; a thought he didn't have time to linger on as Wynfrith grabbed his wrist, pulling him close as she navigated her way back up to the Keep.

Chaos had erupted across all corners of the castle the further they went. The attack had been sudden, and despite all their preparation, they found that they were still ill-prepared. The angelic faithful were out in force, but appeared to be confused, along with the other knights, as fighting broke out across every corner, and Lothric could not in good faith determine who was fighting on his behalf and who was fighting against him. Wynfrith and Eadric appeared to be facing the same dilemma, attacking any who dared to get too close to them.

As they passed the entrance to the Keep, the bells finally rang out in the siege pattern that Lothric had hoped to never hear in his lifetime, but he found some comfort in the knowledge that Estrid had managed to complete her task.

"This position isn't very defensible, Wyn," Eadric said after they had ducked into an alcove within the Keep.

"I know, give me a moment. I need to think."

"The Throne Room is the most defensible location in the Keep," Lothric pointed out. Eadric was correct in his assessment that the Keep itself was no longer defensible, especially considering any who had taken patrols within the Keep knew the location of his chambers and his study, whereas the Throne Room was practically a fortress with only a single point of entry and a bridge to serve as a choke point.

"We don't stand a chance with just the two of us if three of those things were headed towards the Archives." Wynfrith countered. "We need to wait for the others."

"We don't even know if they made it, Wyn."

The door that they had entered the Keep through opened behind them, and Wynfrith and Eadric brandished their weapons, shifting to move in front of Lothric. Their shoulders sagged in relief as they realized it was Lorian ducking his way through the doorway, not an enemy, with Oswin and Baldric in tow.

"Estrid isn't back yet?" Oswin asked. "I heard the bells ring."

Lorian walked by them, now leading the way through the Keep. "We go to the Throne Room. Estrid and Maerec will know to find us there."

Lothric slipped out of Wynfrith's grasp and moved to Lorian's side, barely able to keep pace, having over-exerted himself already on the walk to find him and back. "What is the situation?"

"Poor. Whatever they are, they are well-trained and deadly. They know Gertrude's miracles as well."

"The Pillars of Light?" Lothric asked, and when Lorian nodded he let out a breath. He recalled the devastating power the miracle had when Gertrude had used it. "What of our forces?"

Lorian simply shook his head.

That bad then?

"Come, we are not far now." Lorian called out loud enough for the others to hear. The rest of the guard caught up quickly, the same formation they had when Estrid was with them, but this time with Lorian taking point.

There were two paths to the Throne Room, Lothric knew. The first required them to pass through the Archives while the second was through a small chapel that was used for smaller ceremonies. Clearly, the second path would be the most direct, and the safer of the two, but it also avoided the area where Lothric had sent Kriemhild, Kamui, and Albert.

They were almost at the bridge to the Archives when Lothric heard the familiar shriek of wyverns overhead. The group slowed down just enough to watch two fly off towards the edges of the kingdom, while the remaining two landed at the entrance to the Keep behind them. A group of knights and conscripts were fighting just across the bridge, and they watched as the wyverns reared back their heads and reigned fire down on the fight below.

"Through here," Wynfrith called out, bringing everyone's attention back to the task at hand.

They all filed through the small chapel and onto the lift; Lothric noted that there were no sounds of fighting above them, which was either a good or bad sign. Judging by the state of the rest of the kingdom, he expected only bad at this point in time.

As they stepped out at the end of the bridge, Lothric was able to clearly see several of the winged abominations flying above the Archives, one of which spotted them as they arrived, splitting the group, sending five of them towards the Throne room and leaving the remaining three keeping guard above the Archives.

"Get ready," Oswin ordered as they all fell back to the Throne Room. "They have the advantage out in the open, but if we can draw them into the Throne Room, then their flying doesn't help them."

Lothric brushed a hand against Lorian's shoulder before pointing up at the area in the back where the throne was. Lorian nodded in silent acknowledgement and turned his back to face the entrance as Lothric teleported himself to the back of the room.

The creatures were not far behind them, bursting into the room only a few moments after Lothric had found his refuge. Lorian was the first to strike, bringing his sword down on the first creature that entered the room. It recovered quickly and moved out of the way, putting distance between itself and Lorian, but the damage had already been done. Its wings had been battered, and feathers were scattering to every corner of the room, but it seemed entirely unphased.

A second and third one followed the first creature in, and the remaining guards paired up to each take one. Wynfrith and Eadric took the second, while Baldric and Oswin took the third. Oswin's observations had been correct in that their mobility would be severely reduced in the Throne Room, but failed to account for how high the ceilings actually were. Any time the creatures were at a disadvantage, they flew to relative safety, where the greatest threat was Lothric as he launched homing sorceries at them.

"Lothric!" Lorian called out, and he turned to look at his brother who was facing where his opponent was currently hovering in the mid-air. He lifted his sword up, preparing for a vertical strike, and Lothric knew what needed to be done. Lorian disappeared from sight as Lothric moved him mid-air, directly in front of the creature he had been targeting.

His blade connected before the creature even had a moment to react, sinking deep into its armor and flesh underneath - or rather, whatever abomination was within the armor - splitting the creature in half as it erupted a flurry of feathers and ash with an agonizing howl.

It was gruesome to behold, but it set the precedent that there was no safe harbor within these walls for their assailants. It was a short-lived victory as the remaining two entered the room, and Lothric did his best to focus entirely on acting as a support for Lorian and the others, teleporting them out of harm's way when they were caught off guard or the creatures maneuvered in their blindspots.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Lorian dealt the killing blow against the last of the creatures, and it faded into feathers and ash like the others before it. The Throne Room which had been pristine only hours before was now in disarray with feathers and ash spread to even the furthest corners of the room.

"Prince Lorian, Prince Lothric," Wynfrith and the other guards saluted. "We'll keep guard outside and work on making the bridge more defensible. If any others in the area survived, we'll bring them here. With any luck, Estrid and Maerec will have found their way here as well."

Lorian nodded and dismissed them as they filed out of the Throne Room, and he made his way towards Lothric. The sheer adrenaline that had been pushing them both forward was wearing thin, and Lothric's limbs felt like lead where he leaned heavily against one of the posts of the throne. It had not been that long ago that the two of them had been in this very room, processing the death of Ocelotte. And now, it seemed, they would not be able to leave any time soon. If ever again.

Lorian pulled off his helmet, running a hand down his face, Lothric noting the deep exhaustion that had settled into every ounce of his face, though he tried to mask it. "Our fate is sealed, the choice has been made."

"I have no regrets," Lorian assured him as he had so many times before.

"How long will that last, I wonder…" Lothric murmured.

Time passed slowly as they remained sealed within the Throne Room, first for days. Then weeks. Until finally time lost all meaning. They had held off against wave after wave of fanatics that only grew stronger in force when the Firelink Shrine belltower tolled a second time, and again when the former Lords of Cinder failed to answer the summons.

As the First Flame faded further, so too did Lothric and Lorian weaken, until at last the bells tolled a third and final time, bringing forth any Unkindled that dared link the flame.

It was never-ending, and as they grew weaker the battles became more difficult - even against Unkindled, for those who were strong enough to challenge them had managed to make their way past all those who still remained in their service: the grave tenders, the outrider knights, the royal guard. Kriemhild, Albert, and Kamui.

The first time Lothric watched Lorian fall in battle, he thought he might never get up again. But there was still a spark within them, tethered by the bond, and so Lothric found his way to Lorian's collapsed form and breathed life back into him with a combination of a miracle and the dying sparks of the First Flame.

Again.

And again.

Lothric remembered the piercing guilt as he resurrected Lorian and watched as his brother could no longer manage to stand on his own two feet. But still, he fought, and Lothric did his best to make up for his weaknesses, using his sorceries and miracles to keep his brother in the fight.

Again.

And again.

He mourned when Lorian lost his ability to speak. He whispered words of praise in his ear, only to receive silence in return. But where Lorian had lost his words, he still held on to his sense of self, able to communicate through touch and gestures where he no longer could with words.

Again.

And again.

Crippled and mute, after being resurrected time after time, Lothric was overwhelmed with grief at the sight his brother had become. A shell of his former self. All that remained was a single instinct to protect Lothric. An instinct that drove Lorian onward each time the door to the Throne Room opened once more, regardless of how battered and beaten he had become. Another Unkindled, faded to ash before them.

Again.

And again.

"This spot marks our grave. But you may rest here, too, if you like..."

x

End Notes

That's the end of it - if you made it this far, thanks so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed my attempt at constructing a believable story around the Kingdom of Lothric and the Twin Princes! You can find me on twitter at FlowerCinder