CH. 2: The Revolution Begins
The protesters outside had been there since dawn. They were angered at Logan for having a worker executed. They wanted change. Change Logan wasn't going to give. It had been three days since Logan and Christian's fight. And honestly, Logan just wasn't in the damn mood. He growled at the window from his throne. He was tired of hearing the damned buffoons outside his castle. He pinched the bridge of his nose and slammed his fist against the arm of his chair in anger.
Paladin skipped by with his friend Elise. They stopped before Logan. "Hi Logan! Walter is training me right now, alright brother?" The white haired male gave a cute smile.
Logan sighed, "Fine fine. I need to deal with that mob of protesters outside. " He stood up and called together some of his guards or soldiers. He ordered them all to arm themselves. Elise looked at him with some contempt, as Paladin led her away and into the training room. Rose was sitting with Elliot at the grand piano in the main hall, showing him how to play.
Logan went to the war room with his guards members in tow, close behind. He looked extremely angry, and unforgiving. The guards and he discussed ways to solve the issue. Walter soon entered the room. "Your Majesty, I know what you are planning. Please do not do this. Those are innocent people that are trying to help their families."
Logan narrowed his eyes at Walter. When he spoke his voice was practically a hiss, "Are you suggesting I simply allow these people to question my authority as king of Albion? That I allow them to disturb the peace while I sit by doing nothing?"
"What I'm telling you to do is to calmly approach them, talk with them, and make changes as needed. Its what your Father would've done," Walter told him.
Logan growled under his breath. Now even Walter questioned him? Tried to tell him what to do? "Yes well, my father isn't /here/ anymore, is he? And my father isn't /king/ anymore, or am I mistaken?"
"He is a good example that you should follow. He was a great king Logan! A perfect king that /understood/ his people!"
"So you're saying am I bad king?! And I'm oh-so sorry that I couldn't meet your expectations and grow up to be perfect like my father! I shall make a note to try harder in my next life. Until then, i suppose you're out of luck. I shall deal with the rioters how I see fit!"
"But Logan-" A guard hit Walter and knocked him down. The door to the war room suddenly opened. Paladin stepped in.
Logan blinked at Paladin, taking a breath in attempt to calm himself for his brother. He ignored the general that had had been knocked down before him. "Yes Paladin?"
"Logan, I'm here to stop you." He had a look of pure determination on his face. "You can't kill all those people."
Logan's eyes widened in shock but he quickly covered it up. His shock gave way to rage and hurt (the latter of the two he made sure to hide). "Really? Here to stop me you say." His voice was cold yet underneath it lay a poisonous, venom-like quality.
Paladin nodded. His electric eyes were narrowed. "Think of what you are about to do. You plan on killing innocents!" He sounded just like Walter.
Logan glared at his youngest brother. "Fine then. Since you seem to care so dearly for the mob of people outside, their fate will be in your hands. "
"Wait what?" Paladin looked genuinely surprised. He always planned ahead. He always knew what was going to happen. But this... was unexpected.
Logan nodded, feeling quickly that he had gained the upper hand in the argument. "You will decide the fate of your precious 'innocents'. Come, we shall go to the throne room to further discuss their fate."
"But I-"
"Move it kid!" A guard led Elise and Paladin to the throne room. Walter reluctantly followed. Logan walked along with them, his face emotionless. "Have the mob let inside now ", he said to one of the guards beside him. The guard nodded and left quickly.
Soon, they all were gathered in the throne room. Paladin held Elise's hand tightly, and both looked scared. Logan looked directly at Paladin with cold eyes. "You will choose, the death of your friend, or the death of every member of the crowd."
"What!? You can't make me choose!"
"You can't do this to him Logan!"
Logan's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, but he held his ground. "Choose. Your friend", he gestured to Elise, "Or these so called innocents." He gestured to the mob of now terrified people. "Choose neither and they both die."
Paladin's eyes were wide. He looked torn. Elise grabbed his hand. "You can't let all those people die. Choose me. Choose me!" Paladin stared at Logan.
Logan stared back at Paladin, into his eyes. He waited for Paladin's response, tapping his foot lightly. He was serious. He was actually going to make Paladin choose. It wasn't a test or a cruel joke. It was real. "..." Paladin closed his eyes which threatened tears. He slowly raised his arm and pointed to Elise. Said person gently touched Paladin's cheek. "Its alright. You did what you had to do. Never forget what he's done, and that I love you."
Logan nodded at the guards to his right. They grabbed Elise and pulled her aside. Then two of them shot her with their rifles. Logan looked at the mob, "You may all now leave and go back to your homes. But be careful, next time my brother's friend wont be there to take your place."
Paladin spun to face Logan. His eyes were darkened, filled with rage and pain. "I will /never/ forgive you for this!" Logan nodded, his expression was cold and emotionless. He didn't look to care at all. "I don't expect you to at all. So don't, let it help mold you as a person", even his voice was cold. He turned and left his brother without another word.
Paladin turned and darted up to his room. Rose and Elliot had watched the scene unfold. Elliot approached the body of his twin sister. Tears silently fell from his eyes. Rose hugged her friend from behind in an effort to console him.
Walter's eyes were wide after watching everything happen. He took a breath and walked over to the two children before him. He put a large comforting hand on Elliott's shoulder, biting his lip from the anger he felt.
Nightfall came. Enough time had passed, Walter decided. Paladin needed to be taken from the castle. He needed to follow in his father's footsteps. All three of them needed to. They needed to become... Heroes.
Walter walked down the dark corridor to Paladin's room. He opened the door quietly and stepped inside, closing it behind him. Walter approached Paladin's bed and gently tried to shake him awake. Paladin was crying in his sleep. Jasper suddenly appeared behind Walter. "I just finished consoling him, Walter." Walter was the only one Jasper wasn't /that/ formal with. "Let him rest. Unless... you came here to do more than talk to him?" Jasper had knowing eyes.
Walter jumped a little at Jasper's sudden appearance. He hadn't even heard the door open behind him. He turned to face Jasper. "It is time, Jasper. This country needs a revolution. And Logan's siblings need to follow their father's footsteps. To become heroes."
"Whilst I have fully believe that, you must know that only one can become a full Hero and take the throne. We had this discussion when the old King was on his deathbed. Only one. The seal would choose the one. Do you really wish to take all of them?"
"I cannot simply leave the others here with Logan. They have suffered far too long. Leaving them could endanger then. I will not do such a thing."
"As you wish-"
"Why are you two in my room?" Paladin had just awoken. He sat up, his dog FluffyButt barking at them happily. "Its midnight. Why are you here?" Walter turned to face the young prince. "Paladin, we have to leave now."
"Why? What's going on?" Paladin arose from his bed, heading towards his wardrobe. Jasper headed to the window, glancing out of it.
Walter looked at Paladin with serious eyes. "Young Prince. This country has been in unrest for sometime now. Logan has done what he could as a king. Unfortunately, it was never enough. And he causes problems for the people, not caring about them. This country needs a revolution to save it. One of you must lead it."
"But I'm only 14... Surely you should ask Rose or Christian instead?! I fully believe you but the most logical thing to do-" He stopped himself. "I sound just like Logan..." Tears began to roll down his cheeks. Walter sighed gently and pulled Paladin in a warm, comforting hug. "We shall see whom will take the throne..The seal will decide that. Until then we need to get all of you out of here."
Jasper nodded. "I will pack some essentials."
"There's no time," Walter insisted. "We take nothing."
"Not even pyjamas?"
Paladin got dressed quickly. "I can go get Rose and Christian, if you want me to." Walter nodded at Paladin.
"Yes, please do. Tell them to dress quickly, we need to leave while it is still dark and the sun has yet to rise "
"Alright." Paladin hurried from his room, followed by FluffyButt. Jasper sighed softly. Walter looked at Jasper.
"Will you be staying here then? With the country's 'king'?"
"Never. I do not wish to stand by and do nothing." He grasped Walter's hand tightly. "I am coming with you, my friend."
Walter bit his lip a little at the other's last word. "Yes of course...Thank you.." He turned to leave the young boy's room. Jasper followed. It had began to rain heavily. The two elder men met up with Paladin, Rose, and Christian. Rose was wearing a shawl wrapped about her head.
Walter nodded when he saw they were all there.
"Let's go then, we've got no time to spare" he lead the group to the underground tunnels. They ran through them quickly. Soon they approached the tomb of Sparrow and Hannah. The golden tombs were freshly dusted, and the candles were still lit.
Walter gave a soft smile, half said and half in remembrance.
"It is time to see who will become a full hero and rule the kingdom." The siblings looked at one another nervously. Jasper laid a hand on Sparrow's grave, smiling softly. "Hello my king..." he whispered.
Walter looked at the children. "You will have to each take a turn holding the seal, do you understand? It will decide." Christian stepped up to the seal first. He picked it up. Nothing happened. Rose lifted it next. Still nothing. Walter looked at Paladin, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It is your turn."
Paladin audibly gulped. With pale, shaking hands, he lifted his father's legendary artifact. Within seconds, it began to glow.
Then Paladin vanished.
He reappeared in a strange place. A woman stood before him. The woman wore a blind fold, the way Seers were said to in the old days. "Young hero..You have a long journey a head of you. Your destined will be great, even greater than that of your father's. You will lead the country into revolution, you must make amends for all that you brother has done wrong. And you will have to fight a great darkness, one that threatens the very existence of Albion. Will you take the oath? To save Albion and its people?"
"I..." He was only fourteen. This was a lot to take in. He had to lead a rebellion?! He couldn't even lead his dog! "But I'm just one person!"
"Sometimes it takes a pebble to start a land slide. You will become a great hero and be king of Albion. It is your destiny." Paladin frowned. He knew what must be done. Yet that didn't mean he had to like it. He felt like he was to fail. But he had to accept. "I will."
Suddenly there was a bright white light and Paladin appeared back in the tunnels with the others. Walter looked at him with wide eyes, "Well?"
"I... I'll tell you later..." he looked down at the gauntlets he wore. "I..." Walter nodded, "It is fine. So, you are the chosen one? "
Paladin nodded. He charged up a will spell and blasted a fireball at his feet. The secret staircase between the tombs were revealed. Walter nodded, obviously impressed and proud. "Let us go then." He lead the group down the secret stair case, holding a torch to light the way.
Jasper looked about the narrow passageway. "You never did care for confined spaces, now did you Walter?" The butler brushed dirt off of his clothes. Walter shuddered, twitching. "No, I didn't. But I really /do/ appreciate you reminding me of that Jasper, thank you."
"Not a problem, Walter." Sarcasm. It was something Jasper would never get. Paladin looked about the passageway. "So, how are we going to lead a revolution? Even if I am a Hero, I'm just one person."
Walter sighed at Jasper. "Yes. You are only one person. For /now/, but you need to gain followers. Already you have all of us. But you'll bee many many more in order for the revolution to be successful. "
Rose glanced at Christian. "If you don't mind me asking," she murmured quietly. "I want to ask what of Christian and I? What are we to do?"
Walter smiled at them, "Don't worry Rose. You two will certainly have your parts to play, alright?"
"Alright Sir Walter." Christian glanced back in the direction of the castle. He frowned sadly. Suddenly Jasper cried out, "Bats!"
Walter froze, "What?" He quickly looked around to see where the bats Jasper spoke of were. Tiny little bats swarmed them. Paladin began to charge up a fireball as Jasper cowered. Walter stood in front of Jasper, blocking him from the animals. He swung his torch at them to ward them away from Jasper.
A tiny blush spread over Jasper's cheeks. Paladin killed most of them with one fireball. Walter smiled at the youngest prince. "Great job Paladin, now come, we must keep moving."
Christian giggled a bit. "Nice moves Jasper. Those bats were /really/ scary~"
"Its simply a matter of hygiene! Bats are filthy creatures!" Walter chuckled gently and gave Jasper a pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll be here to protect you from the big gross things~" Jasper swatted his hand away, his pale face turning red. "Off of me Walter! I do /not/ need protection."
"Sure sure~", he laughed and walked off, leading the group down the staircase. They eventually made it to Sparrow's old Cullis gate. Paladin walked up to it. "Do I activate it?" Walter nodded, "Yes. I do suppose so.." He held the torch so it illuminated the old gate clearly. Paladin charged up a spell, focusing a bit. He shot the fireball spell at the ground, and they all were teleported to the sanctuary.
Walter gasped in surprise, looking around at the sanctuary in awe. "Amazing...", he murmured. Rose examined a book on the map table. "Jasper, this book is addressed to you. And Walter... there's a letter for you." Walter blinked, "Hm?" He stepped over, picking up the letter from the map table. "I wonder whom it's from.."
It read, "Dear Walter,
I miss you. I hate being dead. I would rather be with you and frolic through fields of cotton candy whilst we sing, all while being naked. I hope you still love me.
Cautiously in Love,
Sparrow"
Walter bit his lip, his hands shaking whilst they held the parchment. He took in a deep, shakey breath. Jasper examined the book in silence. "How extraordinary! This really is a fine piece of literature!"
Walter blinked away the tears that had started to form in his eyes. "Hm? What is it?"
"The book of Heroes! I daresay that we could put this rare information to good use. It says that this maptable will take us where ever we wish! You just need to select a place!"
"That's wonderful~!", Walter smiled at the good news. "This will make preparing for the revolution that much easier~" Christian examined all the possible locations. "Now... where do we go now? Where do we start?"
Walter nodded in acknowledgment at Christian's question. "We start with Mistpeak", he said confidently. Things were looking up for the country. Rose looked towards the ground. "What about me? Should I stay here or go? The most proper thing would be for me to stay. I might get in your way because I'm a lady..." It was because of thoughts like hers-or rather Logan's-that the kingdom was going to hell.
Walter growled, "Rose, I want you to forsake such foolish ways of thinking. That is something Logan has instilled within you, and those kinds of thoughts are ruining the country. You can be an amazing hero, being a lady does not matter. After all, just look to Hannah."
Rose looked a bit alarmed. She nodded gently. "Alright Sir Walter." Paladin looked at Jasper. "Maybe Lady Jasper should stay here~!" Jasper turned bright red.
Walter let out a big, hearty laugh. "Yes, perhaps you would be better off? Or to avoid all the the 'unclean' roughiens out there?~"
"Hush now Walter! I should clean up this place anyway! No doubt we need to make full use of its facilities!" Walter chuckled, glad to get back at Jasper for the small spaces comment. "Now then, the rest of us should be off."
Jasper picked up the book. "Be on your way. I have spiders to vanquish and crannies to clear." Paladin selected Mistpeak, and they all felt an odd rushed feeling. Walter shivered at the strange feeling. He smiled though, the revolution was finally getting on his way. He knew Sparrow would have been proud to see all of his children doing so well.