Chapter 4

Deals in the Dark

Seth pov

It was late and it was dark as I rode to the meeting place. I am Prince Seth of the Southern isles, second born of King Gaius ruler of the southern isles. Under the king I was once one of the most influential people in my kingdom. Now after all that has happened I am reduced to sneaking around in the dark just for some power. I had rode for hours and now finally I am at the mouth of the headquarters. A dark and filthy cave. We couldn't meet in a tavern or in the woods, oh no it wasn't right he said. My accursed younger brother had insisted he had to be in an out of the way place. Though I couldn't argue with his logic, the caverns in this area go on for miles big enough to hide three armies.

I heard the pull of a bow strings from the cave and stopped in my tracks. A voice from the cavern said. "Those who stand over a fallen foe should beware"

"For the fallen shall rise again and cut off their head" I replied.

I heard the gentle release of their bows and saw an archer that had a hood covering his face walk from the cave entrance. "Prince Seth I am here to guide you to the meeting room. Please get off you horse and follow me." I did as he asked and another one of his men took the reins and led him into another cavern where they likely hid the other horses.

I followed my guide through a long dark tunnel and when we came to the end I was engulfed in light. Looking around I could see countless soldiers running about doing their duties. The most mind numbing thing about the ridiculous trek was the sounds from the forages. From what I have heard day in and day out the smiths made weapons and armor for our armies. These caverns undoubtedly made the sounds echo through them, likely heard from half of this place. As if he could read my mind my guide said "Do not worry Prince Seth, where we go the noise will be blocked. The higher ups can't stand it either." He replied

When we had stating to go through some of the more cramped tunnels I asked "How far are we from the meeting room?"

"Why brother are we starting to feel claustrophobic?"

To my surprise I saw my guide and remove his hood and he turned to me. My guide turned out to be my own brother. My own brother was playing me, my brother Than. I cursed my foolishness for not being able to see through his trickery.

Than WesterGuard, sixth Prince of the Southern Isles and strains from the series of children from the second wife of King Gaius. Like many of my brothers we kept ourselves clean-shaven but rather than combing his hair he always kept a brown haired mess (at least he ran a comb through it when there was a special occasion). He sported his leather armor with his choice of weapons. He favoured the long bow and short sword the most (though he is not untrained in others).

He specialized in being a hunter and trapper. He spent years hunting a variety of animals from rabbits to bears. Of course that was the official story; if you were to ask those in taverns they would speak of rumors that he has grown bored with hunting animals and started hunting people. A simple rumor made up by what the common folk assumed. I mused. It is interesting though how many rumors are somewhat truthful.

"Out of all of us you should be the one who is claustrophobic brother. You do love the woods more than the palace after all." I countered

Than chuckled "You would be surprised how many animals hide in our kingdoms caves Seth."

Out of all my brothers he was one of the few that concerned me. He was not afraid of getting his hands dirty and he knew how to be quick and efficient about things. Father had him trained under one of the kingdoms best hunters and to anyone who knew better knew of his other teacher. The teacher that trained was one of our employed (unofficially) assassins. I suppose that's why my brat brother has him working for him. I thought.

As we walked through the halls we came to two large doors. We entered the room and to my surprise when the doors were shut the banging of the forges seemed to lessen. It seemed he was telling the truth. There's a first for everything I guess. I thought. "Welcome to the heart of our hideout brother."

"So Seth I am actually surprised that you came. After all you made it no secret of your distain for our little brother. Ever since he came into the spot light you have hated him, maybe even jealous of him. " Than sneered

I growled "Why would I be concerned over him? He is not an obstacle to me"

"The rest of us believe you think otherwise brother"

I turned to the side to see my other brothers, Nolan and Acel. I seemed everywhere I turned there was another one of my brothers. Not that that was a bad thing these two are highly useful. Even more so if I agreed with what their head proposed.

"Yes brother, when it comes to him there is always more than meets the eye" Nolan claimed

Nolan, third son of the Southern Isles royalty. Nolan was the biggest of all of us (physically that is). His face bore a head of brown chopped hair, a chiseled chin that matched his fierce hazel eyes. He spent every day of his life training in combat. While Than was more of an archer type, he took on another approach. Nolan was a heavily armored close range fighter specializing in Warhammers and long swords. Nolan's way was 'If you can't see the fear in their eyes, you're not close enough'.

Sadly Nolan was not known for his intelligence. Even though he was the original three of father's first wife, he has been mocked (well behind his back) for his stupidity. This made him a human ox that could be directed when he was told so. To my disadvantage Nolan was attached to Hans, our royal runt. Hans saved his life back in the day and since then he followed him around like a dog. If anyone ever tried to hurt him, Nolan would there to beat him half way to the other side. That is what makes him my biggest obstacle his wiliness to help those he cares for, namely Hans. Of course things like that can be used to my advantage

"Even after my years of distain for him, I can see that he has been doing well in his time brother" Acel stated

Acel fifth in line for the throne way was different from most of us. He was a man of politics and finance. All of my brothers knew how to fight; Acel on the other hand only knew basic self-defence. He spent his time sharpening his mind, spending days pouring over our libraries finance and political sections. Which means he know more than most about money and how to use it. Of course he keeps his tongue as sharp as his mind. It has allowed him to keep many of the nobles and people of influence in his pocket making him a force to be reckoned with.

Of course this is as much strength as a weakness. Acel hates common folk more than anything, sees them as his lesser and thus only associates with the nobles of the courts. He has caused nothing but trouble for the common man and caused nothing but profit for the nobles. This kind of leverage didn't want anyone high up to stop him. With enough push though the village people would be more than happy to rise up and deal out a little 'justice'.

"There is always more then what a person shows. It does not mean that he will be trouble" I asserted

"You would be a fool to believe that brother and I know you are far from one" Than snarled "He has risen to be one of the three powers under the king."

Before I could counter the doors have opened and through those doors walked that accursed runt! Hans Westerguard, thirteenth in line for the throne. Before he was the weakest of us, he was hardly worth a second look. Since we all came before him we all snatched support, power, allies, and anything else leaving him weak. His level of strength allowed us to ignore him for the most part. We all thought he was weak and kind until he showed his true colours last year. He showed that he is the most twisted out of all of us.

"Hello, my brothers. I hope you are all well." Hans greeted

"I would be doing better Hans if he wasn't here." Nolan growled and gestured to me.

Hans waved it of "We talked about this Nolan. If we are all to gain from this we needed Seth's help. After all we have our trump card, but Seth is not a few tricks up his sleeve."

Before this attempting to obtain the throne of Arendelle business there was only two major powers to be reckoned with under the king. My forces and my goodie two shoes excuse of a brother. Gradin first born of our line held a large amount of power since he is first in line for the throne. Though we were not alone though, some of our other brothers had no alliance with us and worked seeking only profit and glory for themselves.

What infuriated me the most was that Acel and Than were my men before! They worked under me and now they work for HANS! Of all this nonsense my brother taking those that belonged to me pissed me off the most. Though I cannot be entirely under grateful to Hans rise to power, because of him those who were not allied formed their own group (we all often referred to them as the Other Brothers) and left us well enough alone. With this change in power it made Gradin weak. It left him with only the spineless one and the two wanderers.

"Yes brothers he is right. Even if you have turned you backs to me and left me alone it does not mean my strength has weakened." I lied.

Hans motioned for me to sit at the table and I did "I assumed that you have brought your strength with you." I gave him a surprised look and he responded with "Oh come now brother. Even if I told you to come alone, you are not stupid enough to enter an enemy base without a backup plan."

I heard a rasping behind me "Aye, you are right Prince Hans"

My men behind me remove their invisibility enchantment and revealed who they are. After Hans little escapade and rise to strength I made sure to get my own trump card. It took me ages but I found a shaman who was willing to work under me. He may be old and grey but his powers and magical knowledge gave me an advantage in this mess. His two apprentices also allowed me to have some grunt work done as well.

"You have what I requested Shaman Elkas?" Hans questioned

"That we do, but I believe my employer has a word or two to say about this." Elkas replied.

"Yes Hans, something like this does not come cheap and I can guess how important this can be to your plans."

Hans stated "And you want appropriate compensations is that right?"

I nodded "Your plans are just that, plans. What I am giving you is very real and thus requires real payment."

"Very well then, is it gold, knowledge, or a special kind of knowledge you are after?"

This made me curious "What do you mean a special kind of knowledge?"

Hans smiled "I have allied myself with my Other Brothers and their little adventure has turned out fruitful from what I have heard." I cursed. So now he has allied with them. That rogue group of Other Brothers, they are not supposed to be allied with any of the three powers. From what I heard from rumors they were not after political power like the rest of us. They were after magic like all of us, but I felt they wanted more than just that. Their true goal is a mystery even to me.

"And what fruit what that might be?" I asked

Hans chuckled "I don't think even they know what they have other then it is powerful. Enough to give us an advantage over those like our enemy"

"Power will lead you to your own destruction Prince Hans" Elkas replied

Hans countered "And greed will weaken the soul isn't that right shaman? Last time I checked shamans like you are not supposed to be interested in material goods" This shut him up quick.

"Very well what do you purpose?" I finished

"When they come back, we will both benefit from them."

"Last time I checked I was not on good terms with them. How do you know they want anything to do with me?" I questioned

He said "Who do you think funded their little journey? They approached me and I funded them. When they come back they will share their knowledge and we all come out winners."

I mused over this, they had they advantage when it came to knowledge of magic. I had to pay them handsomely just to get my shaman. Their information is usually good. I agreed "Very well I agree, as long as I am paid back for the base of what you have requested."

"And how much would that be?" He questioned. I motioned to my men. One of the shaman's apprentices placed the wrapped up item in front of him. Hans grabbed it an unwrapped it for him to see. He gave me a look of derision "You really do have a leniency for shiny things don't you?"

I looked at him unamused "You expect her to put it on there and then don't you? It has to be appealing if you want something like that to happen."

Hans leaned towards Than to showed him the item "Think you can get her to wear it?" Than laughed "HA. She'll put it on in a second. I won't even need to encourage her."

Hans agreed "Very well your payment shall be in gold for the item and payment in knowledge for the magic. Have you given any thought in the alliance I suggested?"

"I'll work beside you as long as it is profitable."

"Excellent, then we shall go together on this. Now here is the plan my brother."

He explained what he had in mind for his plan. It was risky but it none the less made sense. That many people of influence in one place with this plan they'd fall like dominoes. Provided everything went to plan. "I still can't believe that she would put a request like that out for the world to see."

Hans nodded "She is young and used to peace. She doesn't seem to know much about schemes either. Fortunately those that have volunteered have been replaced with our men."

"Well it matters not whether she is experienced or not, we have this." I said as I stood.

"Then we shall meet again at the appointed time, until then brother." Hans finished

"Shall I lead you back out Seth?" Than offered

"No Than, I can make my way back just fine. Good evening brothers" I ended.

I exited the room with my men not breaking stride until I outside and saw my horse waiting for me beside a stable boy. I took my horse from him and made my way away from this place. Though I offered the shaman and his apprentices horses before making our way here they denied saying it was unnecessary. They seemed to be able to keep pace with a galloping horse over miles just fine (their magic no doubt). When I was far away from that pit of a hideout I turned to Elkas "Your opinion Elkas?"

"Their plan is reckless but they seem to have thought about everything that could naturally go wrong."

"Agreed, though we share a common goal with them do not forget our real goal to this little expedition."

"The day you stop telling me about that is the day I finally get some sleep." He replied

Hans pov

I was walking down the halls inspecting my men, weapons, and such. I must admit I am proud of myself. I think I was actually able to catch him off guard a couple of times. Sadly it would be better if he wasn't around at all. He is an asset to my plans but I can't help but feel that he was a little too eager to partner up with me.

"Hans"

I turned to find my comrades Nolan, Than and Acel standing behind me. "We need to talk" Said Nolan. I nodded and gestured to one of the nearby rooms where we could get some privacy from the men.

"What is it you three?" I asked

"I don't like this arrangement we have with Seth." Nolan said

"Acel and I second the motion." Than stated "We've worked under him for a long time until you came along. It would be better for us in the long run if we had just killed him and taken what we needed."

Acel said "He is arrogant, conniving and ruthless. Having him out of the picture would benefit us in more ways than one."

I cut him off "I couldn't agree more with you all that having him gone would be beneficial to us, but only in short term. Keeping him alive in the meantime will help us. He has man power, influence, and the magic that will ensure the plan works as it should. After all with that shaman around it would have been difficult. I only guessed that those three were nearby, not standing right behind him. Their knowledge makes them dangerous, but in time they will be an asset to us."

Than said "You mean when we finally get them on our side. Is that even possible? That shaman sticks to Seth like a bad smell to a pig."

Acel declared "You would be surprised what you can buy with money little brother. After all like Hans said he is greedy, enough money and I think we could get him in our pocket. Maybe we can even get him to get rid of Seth for us."

I added "Well we'll someday get them one way or another. Remember that shaman is his trump card after all. Trumps don't come cheap."

Nolan said "Yes, but from what we've heard he is not nearly as powerful as the snow queen. The only advantage he has over her is knowledge. When push comes to shove that knowledge probably won't save him."

I commented "And that gentleman is why we have our ace in the hole."

"My ears are burning." I heard in a sing song voice.

We all turned to see who spoke and it was none other than Seraphina. Seraphina as usual wore a long flowing red dress with her raven hair tied back in a ponytail and her eyes like a sunrise sparkling. Many of the men found her to be beautiful as did my brothers, which likely explained their behavior around her. Her opinion though was that she disliked many of the soldiers and only tolerated my brothers and me. If not for our deal, I doubt she would be here.

"Ah Seraphina how are you this evening?" I asked

"I am well. I assumed everything went according to plan?"

"Hook, line and sinker" Than answered

She nodded "So he is predictable as always."

I agreed "Quite, dangle a little promise of magic in front of his face and he'll do anything"

"So this little squabble you are having because everything went well?" She asked

"Essentially. Apparently my brothers do not like the idea that Seth is so close to us."

"So they wish to complain about it, yet they do not have the guts to change it."

Acel growled "Why you ignorant craven low class who…" Nolan quickly cut him off with a right hook to the face, making him bend over. It was no secret that she was a commoner, a fact that Acel hated in the slightest. He hated her even more so considering her role. She was not only important to us but dangerous to everyone around her. Angering her was definitely not on our schedule. We all remember what happened to the soldier that got frisky with her. You don't forget screams like that for a long time.

She responded "Thank you Nolan" He nodded in acknowledgement.

"Shall we get ourselves in order then my dear?" I asked

"Yes, sharpen our swords and the like." She responded

Than asked "You going to be ready for what's coming Fina? This isn't going to be some backyard squabble."

"As I have told you all before" Seraphina chuckled

"The Flames of War never bothered me anyway"

There some new characters for you guys to chew on. I know I was vague with the rest of the brothers but future chapters will sort that out.

Now why is Hans here? We all want him to be rotting in some deep dark cell right? Stick around and find out why in the next couple of chapters.

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