Chapter 3: Power Brokers
"Eight years ago," Zelious began, "was when the former king, King Ondaril Lilydove, died from a terrible illness. His three sons, all triplets, immediately began arguing over who would rule the kingdom. In his will King Ondaril wished for Prince Marcus to take the throne. His power hungry brothers, on the other hand, were furious that their father chose him. Prince Marcus has always been a frail person with a low resistance to illness. Yet, despite his flaws, he is the only prince with a kind and good heart."
"What's so bad about the other princes," Link interrupted.
Zelious let out a small chuckle before continuing. "Many things are wrong with those two. Before I get to that, though, let me explain the layout of this kingdom. It is divided into three sections. The first is the northern lands, which we are currently in. It is currently being ran by Prince Edgar. The next section is the small archipelago located in the center of Lake Leviathan, an enormous body of water that separates the kingdom, which is ran by Prince Izlude. The final section is where the capital city is located, which is ran by Prince Marcus."
"So what's so bad about the other Princes," Link asked again.
"To put it in simple peasant terms that an insolent fool such as yourself can understand," Schala said rudely, "Prince Edgar is a lover of war, and Prince Izlude is a complete psychopath." Schala simply smiled mischievously when Zelious scolded her for her rudeness.
Zelious sighed in annoyance at Schala's behavior. "I apologize for that, Link. Schala is right, though. Prince Edgar lusts for the fires of war. Should he gain control of this kingdom he would, without a doubt, strengthen the military and invade other lands. Prince Izlude, on the other hand..." Zelious seemed to be pondering on how to describe him. "He...has never been in the right frame of mind. He is known for impaling his own soldiers for minor errors, such as being late and sleeping on the job. Present day rumors suggest that he has taken up worshiping the lords of darkness, and that he bathes himself in the blood of virgins, believing that it will grant him eternal youth. But as I said, that is nothing but rumors and hearsay."
"Sounds like Izlude would run this kingdom into ruin should he gain control," Link said more to himself.
"Not necessarily," Schala stated. "Though he is a psychopath, he possesses a genius intelligence and he is the best strategist that ever lived. Ten years ago this country was at war with a country to the west, and we were losing pretty badly. The king feared letting his unstable son lead an army. So to make him happy, he gave him control of the eastern border, letting him defend that. Nobody ever expected the enemy to attack from the east.
"However, the king had played right into the enemy's hand. While his main force was stationed on the west fending off smaller enemy forces, the enemy's main force sailed around the entire continent and attacked from the east." Schala made an over-dramatic gasp for breath before continuing. "Prince Izlude ended the war the day they attacked. He divided his force of five hundred men into two groups. While one group of three hundred was fending off three thousand soldiers, the other force of two hundred was fending off another enemy force of one thousand. Using excellent strategies that he created in a matter of seconds Izlude successfully defended the eastern border."
Zelious looked impressed. "I thought you said you found history to be a boring subject, Schala."
"Yeah, well, one learns many things unintentionally while living with an old fart like you."
"So," Link concluded, "If Izlude is that good then he probably has the best chance of winning the throne."
Schala pretended to act shocked. "My goodness! The imbecile does know how to use the brain!"
"Would you just shut up already?" Schala's face grew angry, and she flew over and kicked Link on the nose. "Ow..."
"Schala! What's gotten into you?" Schala simply crossed her arms and gave a 'hmph' in reply. "Link, I am terribly sorry for Schala's behavior. At any rate, yes, Izlude has the best chance of claiming the throne. Whether that's a good thing or bad thing, I do not know. Anyways, it's getting very late. I have a spare room in my home. Would you like to stay here for the night?"
"Nah, no thanks. I've already paid for a week's stay at an inn. Might as well get my money's worth." He began making his way out the door and onto the dimly lit streets of Derter.
"Indeed," Zelious stated while following Link to the door. "Well, Link, fare thee well. But before you go, allow me to give you one final word of advice." Link raised an eyebrow questioningly. "Should you go towards the city docks, be sure to keep those exquisite weapons out of sight. Pirates live in that part of town, and they wouldn't hesitate to mug you. However, if you wish to acquire a boat to cross Derter Lake it is the only place you'll find one." Link nodded his thanks and began walking back towards the inn he was staying at.
Zelious stood in the doorway watching Link as he was walking along the street. He motioned Schala over to him. "Why did you tell him that, Zelious? You know damn well that there's an abandoned boat in working condition near the Derter Necropolis. Not to mention that those pirates will attack him regardless of whether or not he has fancy weapons if he comes near their boat, something you failed to tell him."
Zelious merely chuckled and continued watching Link. "Let's just say that I'm sick and tired of Kent and his gang of pirates living, and leave it at that, shall we?"
Schala smirked. "I know what your plan is. I only hope you didn't shorten that kid's life."
Zelious smiled darkly. "No need to worry, Schala. He should be able to handle them without difficulty. Remember," he stated, "I only use those who are strong."