full summary because is a pain.
The Underdark, an evil place filled with the greatest horror one could imagine. Inhabited by the monsters banished from the light for their greed, selfishness, and depravity. Fortunately for the continents of Xadia, the entrances to this wicked place sits in the territory Kingdom of Katolis, the mightiest of all the kingdoms.
They guard the entrances closely and drive back the scourge that dares to emerge from the depths, ensuring the protection of all those who call Xadia home from the nightmares that dwell below the surface.
So you can imagine Prince Callum's sunrise when one day, his life is saved by a snarky, quick witted, and absolutely beautiful Drow, who is just looking for a job.
Now forced to face the possibility that everyone he learned about the Underdark could be a lie, both he and Rayla are forced to question their beliefs, loyalties, and prejudices as they learn to navigate the ever growing complexity of a split world.
And of those who benefit from keeping it thus.
Today was the day!
Prince Callum shot out of his bed, hurriedly grabbing his clothes and throwing them on, not even caring he hadn't gotten a wink of sleep or that the sun was just peeking over the horizon. No, nothing could curve his excitement as he snatched his scratch book from the bedside table and slung it over his arm.
"Today's the day!" The young prince said again, rushing to his washroom where he began quickly combing his hair. "Today's the day I finally get to go outside the palace and take on my duties as a prince to Katolis! I'm gonna be able to travel to the different provinces, do something I'm actually good at, and finally, finally! Get out of this stuffy palace!"
Practically dropping his comb when he finished, the prince scooped up a handful of water, splashing it on his face a few times before grabbing a towel and drying it. Looking up in the mirror once he was done to make sure he was presentable.
But when he did, he saw the other door to the washroom open, a sleeping little boy wandering inside.
"Where's the fire?" Ezran asked groggily, rubbing some sleep from his eyes as he clutched his pet Glow Toad, Bait, to his chest.
"No fire, Ez." Callum replied, turning back to the mirror. "I'm just so excited to finally be able to get out and help Uncle Viren run the kingdom! With him preoccupied and still recovering, I'm finally going to be able to take on some duties of an Arch Mage and put my sorcery skills to use!"
"Unhu." Ezran replied, only half listening to his brother as he made his way over, pulling out the step-stool he needed to reach the sink, setting Bait on the counter as he began mimicking his brother's actions at a slow, more practiced way.
"And this has to be at the crack of dawn?" He asked again as he began drying his face, his voice muffled by the towel. "It's a day trip. And you're not even leaving the central kingdom. Only going to the docks that are on the other side of the south woods. You've been plenty of times."
Callum, who had finished brushing his teeth, spat it out quickly before turning and power walking back toward his room.
"No time, Ez." He called. "I'm gonna be heading down to the stables and see that the carriage is loaded and ready. After that, I just need to get Soren and we'll be-!"
"Hold it!" Ezran called, bringing Callum to a screeching halt as the young crown prince finished washing his face and jumped off his step stool, now fully awake. "We still need to head to the grand hall. Dad said he wanted to see you off before the big day. And he told me to make sure you didn't skip it no matter what."
Hearing this, Callum fought back a groan as his shoulders slumped forward, the prince fighting the urge to slam his palm into his face.
Great, he got to see Harrow before he left. What an utter joy that was!
The great hall was filled with the sound of clinking silverware that was deafening in the silence of the room. The three occupants all silently ate the grand feast prepared.
At the head of the table sat the king of Katolis, Harrow. Dressed in his regal suit and cape, the ever present golden crown embroidered with gems sat upon his head, making him look like he was ready for an audience with other nobles than a relaxed breakfast with his two sons.
In fairness, he normally would hold meetings with other nobles over the breakfast table, but every now and then, he would instruct the servants to keep everyone else out so he could enjoy a meal with his family away from the hustle and bustle of the court.
Or at least try to.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Harrow looked to his right, towards Callum as he picked at his food. "So, today's the day you're gonna start helping Viren with his Arch Mage duties? That's quite an achievement! I bet you're excited!"
Despite his (forced) upbeat voice, the young prince didn't look up, instead focusing intently at his plate, trying to carve his children with a butter knife.
"I guess." He grunted, followed by an awkward silences.
Looking from his son to his plate, the king let out a soft cough, fiddling with his collar before trying again, this time putting even more energy into his happy, father persona.
"Well, it's understandable you'd be nervous. It's a big responsibility. Not everyday a sorcerer is born into royalty. I imagine it's more than a bit intimidating." The king tried to drown out the silence with a booming laugh, one that was practically physically painful as nobody else joined in, Ezran keeping his head down and Callum glaring at his food.
"Except I wasn't." He muttered sharply, his voice soft, cutting through Harrow's laugh and making the room cold as ice, the step-prince shifting his gaze to the king, his eyes landing on the same spot they always did. The stump where his right arm used to be.
Now, Callum wasn't a vindictive person by nature, but every time he was made to interact with his stepfather, his gaze always settled on the ragged stump. A painfully and constantly reminder of the parent he lost, and the man who failed to avenge it.
The arm, lost in a bid by both Harrow and Viren to slay the dragon that had taken his mom, had ended in utter failure. The king, after going missing for days, was found stumbling back through the palace gates, leaning on the Arch Mage for support, his arm twisted and mangled beyond any form of recognition. The monarch's head lowered in defeat, sobbing openly before his subjects, and after he was treated, Callum had found out why.
The spear, his mother's spear, the last keepsake the prince had of her, had been lost in the attempt. Enchanted with powerful magic, the king had intended to use to strike down the Blue dragon that had been destroyed in the attempt, and with it gone, so too was any hope of slaying the beast. And more importantly, losing the young prince the last thing he had to remember her by.
Ever since then, whenever the two were in the same room, things became awkward and tense. Some much so even many nobles choose to leave to avoid being around the king and prince, the long exception being Ezran. But even he'd stay silent when they were having their…thing.
A thing like they were having right now.
Clearing his throat once again, Harrow laid down his fork and turned his whole body towards Callum, the young prince pointedly turning away as he angrily bit the inside of his cheek. No, he did now want another attempt at Big Feelings Time. They hadn't had one, a proper one, since his mother died and he did Not want to try right now. He did not need the pain and embarrassment of watching a grown man, the king of his country no less, attempt to tell him he understood or that his anger was valid, or whatever angle Harrow was going to try. He just needed to get as far away as he could from the man who let his mother die!
And it seemed as if the gods were watching him, as the next second the doors to the hall were opened, effectively putting a complete stop to whatever Harrow was about to do. And providing the very thing Callum had been itching to do all more.
"Good morning, princes, your majesty." Viren, the Arch Mage of Katolis said, giving a slight bow as he entered the room. "I hope I'm not interrupting your family time, Highness. I was simply informed that the entire royal family was here and wanted to start the day as early as possible. We have a lot to do before next week."
Sighing, Harrow rose to his feet, setting his goblet aside as he took on a more stern, yet still tired, look. One more befitting of a king.
"No, no. It's fine, Viren." He said, rubbing the bridge of his nose as he shut his eyes. "We were just wrapping up and I can have something bright to me later. We should start preparing for the tournament to-."
"Oh no. There's no need for that." Viren cut in quickly, hobbling over to the table using his staff as a cane, dragging his left leg behind him. "You can still eat. I simply wanted to go over with Cal-. Prince Callum his duties for today and what he can expect moving forward. Unless of course he wishes me to wait until you finish breakf-."
"Nope! I'm ready to go!" Callum yelled, practically jumping out of his seat earning him a disapproving look from the Arch Mage. But if it got him away from Harrow, the prince was fine with that.
Continuing to give the prince a dirty look, Viren cleared his throat as he unraveled a scroll, reading aloud the contents as if Callum hadn't memorized the whole thing.
"Prince Callum of Katolis, you are hereby given the task of greeting the representatives of the province of Green Hill at the Southern Docks. You are to receive twenty barrels of their custom made wine and bring it back to the castle for the tournament to decide your bodyguard. An event you shall be hosting next week, in case you forgot." The last bit had the old man peering over the scroll at the prince, knowing full well that he hadn't, as if daring him to bemoan the event like he had been doing ever since it was announced.
And while at first, Callum was tempted. Wanting to point out he was born the night of a Soul Storm, (will explain later.) and thus had the power of the storm in his body since he was a child, granting him access to the Weave and, more importantly, magic. Meaning he didn't need an overpaid babysitter to follow him around and make his already apparent awkwardness even more obvious!
However, he also knew his new position was paramount that Harrow's old friend liked him, and arguing with the Arch Mage of Katolis wouldn't get him anywhere.
And so, he bit his tongue and stayed silent.
Noticing his surprising lack of sarcasm, Viren lowered the scroll, rolling it back up and tucking it into his robes.
"Now, I'm well aware this isn't…how did you put it? Very Arch Magey, but if you prove yourself in this simple task, I've agreed with Harrow to take you on as a part time apprentice. And I won't lie to you, I will be very strict, but if you can impress me, show me you have what it takes to fill my shoes, I'll consider giving you more assignments that are more…Arch Magey."
A humored smile spread across the man's face, the Arch Mage stepping to one side gesturing Callum towards the door with a slight bow.
"Now, the carriage has been assembled and Soren is waiting, alongside six of the best Crown Guard members you could ask for." The High Mage said. "Hurry along now. Travel through the southern forest is treacherous the later it gets. If you leave now, you should make it back to the castle before nightfall. Oh, and do keep an eye out of any of those…bottom feeders have been seen around the border. As while General Amaya might be positioned at the entrance to the Underdark, even she would have a hard time stomping out every bug that tries to crawl to the surface."
Nodding in agreement, Callum rose quickly, bowing slightly to Harrow, then ruffling Ezran's hair before hurriedly making his way to the door, reaching it in record time and planting to throw himself out of it and get away from-.
"Callum. A word before you go."
Only to be thwarted at the last second by the king's call.
Turning stiffly, Callum faced his stepfather with a stiff, rigid expression. One no longer even making an attempt to hide his thoughts as he practically glared at the king. Something Viren very much disapproved of, but was silenced by a wave from the king.
"About next week's tournament." He said, ignoring both Callum's glare and Viren's irritation. "As I'm sure you know, the winner of the tournament will be elected to be your bodyguard for the next ten years. And while as king, I am allowed to change these results if I deem it inappropriate, these young soldiers have already been vetted. They are all one hundred percent loyal to the throne. So using that authority will most likely been seen as me playing favorites."
Swallowing hard, Callum found himself suddenly wishing he hadn't had such a big breakfast as he had a pretty good idea where this was going, and wasn't happy about it.
And sure enough, the next sentence from Harrow all but confirmed his fears.
"That means, the most likely candidate to become your bodyguard is Lord Elfric Denear."
Immediately, all princely maneuvering were dropped as Callum let his head lol back, a loud grain escaping his lips as he fought back the urge to scream.
"Haw-. Your majesty! Please, I beg you, anyone but him!" The prince whined. "Can't I have Soren for another two years so lord Dickbag can go off and get married or something? I mean, I'm eighteen years old right now and am more than capable of-!"
"Prince Callum!" Viren snapped, slamming his staff on the ground with a loud bang. "Need I remind you you are in the presence of the royal family! Son of the king you might be, but such insubordination and disrespect will not be tolerated by anyone including you! You are to-!"
Viren's rant was cut short by Harrow calmly raising his hand, silencing the man without a simple wave before turning his attention back to his son, face calm as ever.
"I understand you don't like the young lord. But Soren wants to progress through the ranks of the Crown Guard. Something he can't do if he's constantly protecting you." He explained calmly. "Please understand that while you don't carry my blood, you are still a prince of Katolis, meaning you are a target. Magic or not, you need someone watching your back. And if that someone happens to be Lord Denear, then I'm sorry, but you're just gonna have to grit your teeth and bare it."
Callum fought the urge to roll his eyes. Was that Harrow's answer to everything? Grit your teeth and bare it?! It frustrated him so much that his wants and needs always had to play second to the kingdoms. He didn't ask for this statutes! It wasn't his fault he was crowned a prince when his mother married. He hadn't even wanted to move to the palace in the first place!
Despite his best efforts, (which it really wasn't.) some of his anger must have shown through as suddenly, Harrow let out a sigh, rising to his feet and walking to the window that overlooks the kingdom.
"I'm sorry." He said softly, staring at the grounds below. "I know I'm asking a lot of you without giving anything in return. But for what it's worth, try taking some solace that soon, you'll be traveling the kingdom as are Arch Mage's apprentice. With things getting more and more heated at the borders, I suspect it's only a matter of time before the Drow city of Lolth Lorena, attacks with their full force. I need someone who can protect you should an assassin slip past Amaya and her troops. And as much as I know you're strong, you cannot stay in guard twenty-four seven. And at the end of the day, all it really takes is one arrow, one single shot, to end the lift of even the most powerful mage."
Wordlessly, Harrow shifted his arm across his body, moving almost unconsciously to reach up and touch the tattered stump of his arm, the whole thing gone just below the shoulder. The man's face, while unseeable from where Callum stood, the young prince knew exactly what, or who, he was talking about.
And the worst part? He was right.
Letting out a sigh in defeat, Callum slumped forward, his body giving way to exhaustion as he found himself unable to rebuttal the king. Like it or not, and he most certainly didn't, he knew having someone there to watch his back was necessary. Soon, he had duties to take care of, to plan. He couldn't be watching every shadow and dark corner looking for an assassin who might be sent here to kill him. Sure, in the palace, it was safe, but out there? When traveling the kingdom? He would be vulnerable. And given that he could barely ride a horse or swing a sword, he knew he needed someone to cover for him.
And with another defeat sigh, Callum let out a disgruntled groan.
"Fine. I'll do it" He spat, turning on his heel to face the door. "Now, May I be excused, you're majesty? I have somewhere urgent to be and think it would be unbecoming for a prince of Katolis to keep his guard waiting."
And with that, not even waiting for a reply, Callum stormed out of the room, disappearing down the hall. Leaving the king still staring out his window, his shoulders slumping.
A little while later.
Callum sat on a barrel at the Southern Docks, calmly sketching the seagulls overhead. His mood significantly improved since his fight this morning, the soft sea breeze echoing his more relaxed demeanor.
"Aww. What a life." He murmured to himself, enjoying the breeze as it combed through his hair. "Too bad I'll be stuck with a babysitter soon, but at least I can enjoy it while it lasts."
Looking over, the prince watched the laborers lifting several large barrels onto the carriage he had arrived in, strapping them to it with strong chains making the shorter woman beside him let out a huff.
"Oh! Would ya look at em! Tossing it around like it cheap beer, no regard for fine wine I tell ya!" The woman was about the same size as Ezran, but unlike the young prince, had age lines all across her face and hands, completely with short, graying hair and saggy eyes, indicating her near hounded years of service.
"I tell ya, just got off the boat, still got me sea legs, and I bet I could do better than that lot!" The Halfling, Martha, said, shaking her cane at the soldiers. "Lift with your legs, ya bellon! It'll make the wine shake less!"
Chuckling at the old woman's rambling, Callum turned back to his drawing, smiling at the feeling of nostalgia as the woman, who had once been his and Ezran's nanny, continued to backseat load from her spot at the docks.
"Now, now. Martha. No need to shout." The prince said kindly. "Their trained soldiers, not ship hands. Besides, your little Shire has provided more than enough wine for the event. It's okay if a little bit is…over mixed or shaken up."
"Aww! I tell ya, you're too soft Callum!" The older woman scolded, turning to him, walking stick raised. "This isn't just some fancy pants part with a bunch of people I don't care about! This is a festival all about you! And as such, everything needs to be perfect! I'll have nothing less for my baby Sky Wizard!"
Going red in the ears, Callum immediately tumbled off the barrel and onto the ground, on his feet the next second spitting dirt out of his mouth as he quickly tried to silence the older woman.
"Martha! I told you not to call me that!" He yelled, immediately making the soldiers look over and the prince to become a tomato. "It's was years ago! I'm an adult now! Please don't go calling me embarrassing nicknames from back when I was a kid! It's-!"
Cutting off, Callum blinked as he saw the old Halfing roaring with laughter, the woman's head thrown back, hand on her stomach for several seconds, before straightening up and looking him right in the eyes.
"Lad, I've known you since before you took your first breaths in this world." She scolded, waving her stick at him. "I'm the one who helped your mother push you out of her rear, and helped ya first throw up! I'm far past the point of not calling you and the little tiger by pet names! I may not work in the castles anymore, but make no mistake, I'm gonna dote on you for as long as this little body as breath to dote! I don't care if you live to be a hundred! Ya still always gonna be my little Storm Wizard!"
Despite blushing so deeply he was certain there was steam coming out his ear, Callum did feel a sense of warmth washing over him at the nurturing nature of his old nanny. She had been friends with his mother since long before she went to the castle. Working as a wet nurse in their small village before moving to the castle, then Green Hill to join her sons in making wine. She had always been a friend of the family, taking care of not just him and Ezran but also Claudia and Soren, and not afraid to even tell off Harrow or Viren when they crossed her while working. His favorite quite probably being, "this might be your castle and your kingdom, but it's my nursery! So either play by my rules, or go sit in the corner like all the other naughty children!" Which is exactly where he found both men when he and Ez got back from raising the kitchen.
Overall, she was really the last real link to his mother he had. Something that, despite her rapidly fading health, made him feel a mod chrome less alone whenever she was around. Like she was a grandmother to him, the one he never had.
Hopefully, once this was all over, he could visit Green Hill and spend more time with her while on official ArchMage business.
"Hey! I thought I heard the crazy nanny! What brings you to this neck of the woods?"
Looking up, they saw Soren approaching, his big goofy plastered to his face as he approached, the older woman quickly making her way over to him.
"Well, blow me down, if it isn't the little trouble maker!" She cried happily, the knight kneeling down to let her tug on his cheeks. "My, my, someone's all skin and bones. Don't tell me the Warlock of a father is overworking you again. He should know these cheeks aren't made for a non-meat diet! Your wasting away!"
Blushing at the dotting, Soren rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Nah. I'm fine! Besides, someone's got to protect the kingdom and the royal family." He said straightening up and clapping his hand onto his chest. "As a captain of the Crown Guard, it's my sworn duty to protect the royal family both alive and beyond. So sometimes I have to work overtime to ensure that my oath is upheld. After all, less than a week ago, someone broke into the royal tomb and made off with the bodies of ten of our former rulers, a deliberate act of vandalism and an unacceptable anti-monarchy sentiment. According to dad, anyway."
"Bah! Anti-government extremists. What a bunch of whoes!" Martha sighed. "I know the king hasn't done everything perfectly, but thanks to him, Katolis has remained the most powerful and prosperous kingdom on the continent. Holding back the monsters of the Underdark and maintaining diplomatic ties with our neighbor's isn't easy. People really need to learn to stop blaming every little thing on Harrow and start accepting that life is just a series of hardships that need to be defeated. No one's perfect, but that's just the way of the world."
"I-. Umm. Well said!" Soren piped in in a tone making it very clear he hadn't understood a word of what the Halfing had said. "Those who desecrate the tombs of the kings are nothing more than…than…are really bad!"
Chuckling at the younger man's complete lack of self awareness, Martha calmly leaned forward on her walking stick, shooting Callum a cheeky, knowing grin.
"Well, enough of all this doom and gloom talk. Why don't we catch up somewhere warm and celebrate our dear step prince's last days as a free man." She said gesturing towards the ship she had arrived in. "After all, let's not forget that dear old Harrow ended up making his first bodyguard his queen. Given the charm and wit this handsome boy has, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to think you're gonna follow in our dear king's footsteps, ey?"
"Martha!" Callum whined, his face going red again as the two laughed. Making the prince want to curl up in a ball and disappear from the world.
But even though he was embarrassed, a happy, warm feeling filled his stomach. One that was glad his childhood friend and nanny at least understood his frustration at the whole bodyguard situation.
So without any real argument, they followed the Halfing back into her cabin on the ship, (Soren banging his head on the ceiling.) where they used the time to catch up, talk about nothing, and just be themselves without the pressure of titles and rank, simply enjoying each other's company until the sun had sunk so low in the sky, they couldn't afford to put off their departure any longer.
And after a kiss on both cheeks from the nanny, the two climbed back into the now fully loaded carriage and began making their way back to the castle, the six other Crown Guard members riding alongside them as they left the docks, and headed into the Southern woods, all eight missing the small spider that, after watching them leave, scurried back into the forest, moving quickly allowing it to over take the carriage, reaching the center of the woods long before the royal party.
There, deep in the woods, just off the beaten path, sat two cloaked figures, both raising as the spider reached them, the taller of the two placing his scaly hand on the ground, letting the creature scurry onto his palm.
"The Prince approaches. Now it's time to strike." It hissed in a deep, raspy voice. Its many eyes quivering and shifting, its legs twitching as it stared up at the figure, head turned to the side shivering and shaking indicating something very wrong with it.
But despite the obvious signs, the cloaked man calmly reached up and placed the spider on his shoulder before turning to his shorter companion, his long, black, scaly snout nodding at them. Promoting them to nod back before turning and heading towards the path, going to set up the ambush.
Now alone, the man turned to the ten coffins behind him, picking up his staff as he raised both hands into the air, his eyes glowing a ghostly green as he let out a loud cry.
"Saltare Mortuorum!"
Instantaneously, green strands of energy short from the man's hands, flying high into the air before descending onto the coffins, passing through the oriental, hand carved wooden lids and weaving their way into the contents below.
A moment of silence passed as the lights began to fade, going out entirely after a couple seconds. Then a snarl could be heard from deep within the wooden tombs, followed immediately by the crack of the royal seal on the side as the lids slid open. Pushed open by the bodies within, revealing the glowing green eyes of the rotten corpses as they rose from their eternal slumber, letting out horrible screams as they were now bound by the will of their summer. Ready to conduct his nefarious plan.
Hey, thanks for clicking on this story and joining me on my little corner of the internet. I'm glad to have you and I hope you enjoyed the story.
Now, I'd like to let everyone who made it to the end know that this is just a Promo project. Aka, a short, 7-9 chapters long story to see if people are interested and more importantly, if I want to keep writing it.
I've been a fan of the Dragon Prince since its second season and always wanted to write a fanfic about it, but never could really think of something interesting or unique. Even now, I'm not sure if I'm going to continue this story past its first arc as not only do I have bunch of other stories I'm working on and am not sure if I want to devote my time to another, especially one like this which is pretty generic if I'm being honest.
Either way, regardless of how long this story lasts, I hope you'll enjoy it. So, until next time, bye!