Disclaimer: see chapter 1.

A Story of Eighteen Years (A Chorus of Grace and Shadow Story)

Chapter 11: The Life of Enno, Prince of Swords pt. 1 (The Birth of the Thronebreaker)

By Centurious the Azure and Storm Wolf77415

(4000 Years ago, Terca Lumireis, the World of Origins, the Kingdom of the Moon, Caria Manor, Liurnia of the Lakes)

It was one beautiful day in the middle of the summer when it happened. That day the young prince of Caria, Enno Solomon Caria, was finishing up his sword practice. He was only twelve years old at the time. But, he was proving to become a strapping young lad already. Keeping pace with all of his peers in magic, and swordsmanship. That was to be expected, though. As he wasn't merely anyone. He was the son of the first and only Queen of the Moon, Rennala Caria. She was known for her spell craft and the knowledge of the stars above all else. It was surely the wisdom of their forefathers, the Aesir. That brought them this far. And would surely bring them far into a future of prosperity, and peace.

His father Radagon was a former officer, and champion of the House of the Sun. The ruling house that had hosted the blessings of the Erdtree. The one golden tree the size of a mountain. It could be seen for miles around the Lands Between, their home in the fog. The very center of civilization, and order itself.

Thing is that there could only be one great kingdom in all of the land. One of the Moon, and one of the Sun. Surely as the literal sun, and the moon rose, and fell they were always in opposition. There were two whole wars in the name of the dominance of a single house. A lot of lives were lost between those two conflicts. But, his father, the one and only Radagon the Red Wolf met his mother on the battlefield. They instantly fell for one another, according to legend. He loved those stories. And so did his dear twin sister, Ranni.

Ranni sat in front of her brother, all smiles at hearing the story once more. They sat beneath a tree after practice with him. She was the most beautiful person in all the kingdoms to Enno. And his best friend. She was of diminutive stature at being just twelve, even more so than him. The way the sun caught her red hair reminded him of the warmth of the sun itself. Her long red hair was put up in a complex braid that took minutes for the manor servants to prepare. She looked at him with warm golden eyes, the eyes of their father. Many of his siblings shared more traits with their father than they did with their mother, Queen Rennala.

Enno, was different though, he shared the features of his mother. Deep, dark raven hair as black as the night itself. And eyes as dark blue as the way the moon became blue on the rarest of nights in the lands between. Some said among the Aesir it was a blessing of their grandfather, the All-Father himself, Odin.

Ranni, sat there grinning, she pleaded with her brother excitedly, "Prithee, Enno. Tell me the story once more. I wish to bask in the glory of our parents once more."

Enno smiled gently, patting his sister on the head. Which she pressed her redhead into affectionately. Her hair was soft to the touch. It was to be expected, once more. Since she was the child of the most beautiful queen in all of Caria. Though, he had heard about the beauty of Queen Marika rivaled her own. Something he wished to witness himself one day. He'd only been around Caria thus far at his young age. And never the holy capital of the House of the Sun, Leyndell.

Enno answered, playfully. "Dear sister, I cannot deny you. For you are much too precious for me to deny."

Ranni pouted, inflating her cheeks. "You say that to all the girls our age, though. Brother… People say you are shameless. A worthless prince, even."

Enno shrugged, not caring what they say in the slightest. "I am what I am, Ranni," He said lazily, "all I wish for is to enjoy life. Sure, magic and swordsmanship are within my wheelhouse. That's just because I was born with greatness." The Carian prince paused, running his hands through his hair, "Potential I completely aim to waste."

Ranni shook her head, not believing what she was hearing, "I am never sure what to say when you utter such words, brother dearest."

He nodded slowly, leaning back on the tree with his eyes closed. "Sister dear," he said dryly, one eye opened up with a lopsided grin on. "That's the thing. Being great would be so easy for me. It wouldn't be worth it. So, Ranni, don't you think it would be a greater challenge to laze away the rest of my life and fade into the pages of history."

"What a crock!" A voice said harshly. "Don't you think so, Modi?"

"Agreed, brother," the other said agreeably, equally as harsh on the ears. "He's Aesir, Magni. And he just wishes to rest on his laurels. How pathetic."

"Ah, the brothers Odinson," Enno said as coolly as the night. He said it with a lazy haplessness. Still, there was a layer of insult that couldn't be missed. "What brings you to my neck of paradise? Surely not to rub your tiny swords together in front of us, pray tell."

"Brother…" Ranni nudged him, gulping at how the two boys simmered angrily like a couple of steamed hams. "Ix nay on the penistay."

Modi cracked his knuckles. And Magni his neck in response. "You wanna say that again, Enno?" the latter asked with an air of danger in his voice.

Modi scowled, growling under his breath. "He might want to speak up. My hearing has been going out on me since I attended that giant tossing competition we attended last week."

Enno just stared at them, giving them a friendly chuckle, "Come now, cousins. Surely you know we Aesir are warrior poets. Authors, and storytellers of the ridiculous. A few insults are surely nothing between us. Your hides are surely made of tougher materials than that."

Magni nodded, flexing his muscles, "I am pretty tough, aren't I?"

Modi strongly agreed with his twin, "You are, surely. We were both bench-pressing a little earlier." He struck a flexing pose in front of them, "Aren't I, Ranni?" He said with a wink directed at the princess.

Ranni's face faltered for a moment, not believing she was being flirted with by her flesh and blood. Ever the diplomat, she decided to hide her disgust. "Yes, cousin," Ranni smiled awkwardly, "Your gains are most massive. The both of you are surely known for all time you moved that giant made of rocks off of your father. Our dear uncle, Lord Thor. Blessed is his hammer, and prowess in battle."

It was then that somebody appeared to make things much less awkward. He was a man of great stature with a long, flowing black beard tied in braids. A pair of goat horns on his head denoted his status as a demihuman were perched on his forehead. His shaved head was tattooed with many magic Aesir runes, adding to his wise, mysterious aesthetic. His eyes were literal crystals that were alight with magical power beyond the ken of most Aesir.

"Hey!" The man shouted, marching up the Brothers Odinson. "What did I tell you two weeds about going off on your own?"

Magni growled the man's name like a curse, "Mimir…" He whispered the last part under his breath as for him not to hear, "…Stupid goat."

Modi scowled, waving the much older male off, "We were just chatting with our cousins. It has been such a long time since we last saw them."

Magni made a rude gesture with a certain finger, "Yeah. So why don't you up a mountain cliff and hop off of it!"

It was then that a sharp clapping sound was heard. And the boy received a smack to the back of the head from Mimir. The boy whined, holding the back of his head as tears stung his eyes, "Y-You hit me! I'm going to tell my father and you'll be screwed!"

Mimir crossed his arms, dubiously looking at the princeling, "Go the Hels ahead, boy. And I'll tell your da that you pissed on the golden tree at the church outside of Leyndell. A fuck off holy tree. On a diplomatic mission, no less. Your da will tan your hide from here to Asgard when he hears of it!"

It was then both Magni and Modi looked as pale as death itself. "Cheese it, brother!" Modi shouted, all of a sudden. The two both ran off in different directions, so as to not be caught by him. Magni flipped him off one last time. And Modi just ran even faster, shouting, "you moron! Don't do that just because you saw father use that on a giant!"

Mimir sighed, shaking his head quite fiercely. Watching as the brothers took off behind a building. "I'm not paid enough by the All-Father to be an advisor, tutor, and babysitter at once," Mimir said tiredly, laying a hand on one of his horns. "Almost makes me wish I'd gone to Tir na Lia with King Auberon…"

Mimir suddenly remembered himself, seeing the prince and princess staring at him in awe. The man made a well-placed bow, "Forgive me, Prince Enno, Princess Ranni," Mirmir gave a polite nod, "My manners, and decorum are quickly forgotten when I deal with those two nutters. The All Father should send those two idiots to go live with Ratatoskr on the World Tree since they are insane."

Ranni shook her head slightly, standing to give the man a courteous curtsey of her battle garb. Enno inclined his head respectfully to the Aesir god of knowledge. The self-proclaimed the smartest man alive. "Hey, Mimir," Enno said, curiously, "I hear there's a man in Leyndell known as the All-Knowing. Who do you think is smarter, you or him?"

Ranni hissed at her brother, giving him another nudge of her arm. "My apologies, Mimir." The girl said apologetically, glancing at her brother with a disapproving look, "My brother is always saying things he shouldn't. It's why mother says I must look after my lesser half."

"Harsh, sister," Enno said blandly. He clearly wasn't bothered by it, though. If his smirk was any indication, "I just am aiming for being merely good enough. So, I suppose that's accurate."

Mimir let out an amused chuckle. "Aye," the man-goat hybrid said, smiling slightly, "As always, Lord Enno. You display the classic Aesir wit. Have you thought about coming to Asgard to maybe polish it a little? Maybe along with your swordplay, and knowledge. I know your grandfather, Lord Odin, would love to have you."

Enno shook his head, frowning slightly, "I think the opportunity to have to interact with those two limp-brained idiots would have a negative effect on anything I could possibly learn from you, or our gracious All-Father."

Ranni grimaced, rapping at his head. Enno hissed in response, "You can't be serious! Lord Mimir just offered you a place at grandfather's side. And you'd just turn it down?!"

Enno was quiet for a long moment, his eyes peering into the ground rather than the eyes of his dear sister. Ranni hadn't seen him afraid to express himself in such a long time. He always expressed his opinions without forethought. A trait that he seemed to inherit from their mother. It didn't seem right to see him so worried. She was about to ask when Mimir voiced her thoughts.

Mimir reached over, putting a hand on his shoulder. "What is it, lad?" He asked with kind concern in his bejeweled eyes. "If there is something bothering ye, tell me and I may my best council. It 'tis my job, little brother."

Enno raised his head, blue eyes quivering with tears on the edges. He looked at his twin sister. In return, he got an encouraging, empathetic nod from his other half. He sucked his breath in to gather his courage, forgoing the tears. "I don't trust the All-Father, Mimir," the boy confessed guiltily. "I watch him whenever he comes with the rest of the extended family, and I don't know…I don't like him."

Mimir took it in, thoughtfully considering his words. There was no scandal, or shock on his face. No judgment. Merely patient wisdom tempered by compassion. "Go on, son. Tell us why."

Enno took a moment to articulate his words. Trying his best to find logic within the gut feeling he had. "Mimir," he said quietly, looking left and right for any crows that could be watching them. "Have you ever noticed how he speaks to Uncle Thor, or Uncle Heimdall? Or mother? He's so passive-aggressive. He sugarcoats his words with humor, and affection. I think it's a front, Mimir. I don't think he cares for us at all."

Ranni gasped, not believing her brother's approximation. "Certainly," she protested, coving her mouth with her hands. "Grandfather loves us with all his heart!"

Mimir frowned, not offering his opinion immediately. Something clicked behind those eyes that got the wheels turning. "Aye, laddie…" The man said in his thick accent carefully, very gently. "I know what ye mean. I've spent many years by your grandfather's side, advisin' him on the best course of action. There was never something quite right about him in the head. He's obsessed with something, my boy. Beyond understandin', that. And that's consumed his vision entirely. I can't tell ya what that is…" He looked over his shoulder, and above for any ravens. His eyes and ears in all of the realms. "What I can tell ye is that you need to watch him. Learn what ye can, and take what ye will. But do not for one second believe he doesn't wish to take from you in return. Gravely."

"I would rather learn from you," Enno said with no hesitation. "I don't want knowledge for a price I can never repay."

Mimir smiled brightly, "Lad," he began affectionately, "that is because I am of the belief that knowledge should be free for all. Kings, and paupers should all have access to education. In fact, there's something we could start with right now." He glanced to Ranni, his bright eyes showing eagerness. "Do ye wish to partake in a meeting of the Great Council of the Moon, and Stars?"

Ranni blinked in sheer shocked surprise, knowing it was against the rules. "Mother lets us sit in on meetings!"

Enno let out a frustrated noise. "That's because she thinks we are too young for the political arena, sister. I've tried so many times, but I always have Iji snatch me up before I can sneak in."

Mimir grinned lopsidedly, "Iji is partaking in his afternoon study session in the grand archives right now, children."

Ranni giggled impishly. "They had to make the entrance way bigger for him just to get in."

Enno likewise chuckled, "So this is our chance. Is it not, dear Ranni?"

Ranni smiled knowingly, knowing what her twin was thinking. "Yes, Enno!" She exclaimed, "we can bask in mother, and father's brilliance better this way!"

Enno snapped his fingers, "Heck to the yes, Ranni! You're speaking my language now!"

Mimir let out a bellowing, raucous laugh at that. "I'm happy to see you're so spirited, my lord and lady. I'm sure your mother and father would be delighted to see you take such an interest in their work."

It was then that Mimir escorted both the moon blessed prince, and princess to the great council chamber in the main palace on the grounds of the manor. It was seldom they ventured into this part of the grand palace grounds. Mother had told them to never go there unless escorted. The fact of the matter was that they were being escorted by the right hand of the All-Father himself. So, who could dare protest?

It was then they were at the door to the grand council chamber. It was the place where the Moon, and Stars of the court sat to determine policy for the entire kingdom. The Kingdom was born under the auspices of the Moon, the will of their mother. She was not only a scholar, and a magician. She was a great Spellblade in her heyday. A warrior who set out on the will of their grandfather to take the land of the animist barbarians who worshipped the Twin Bird Outer God, the mother of the Deathbirds. The dark, flaming angels that oversaw death in the days before the grand golden star descended on the Lands Between.

Much like Queen Marika, their mother won through many battles and trials. Now, the lands were much, much more civilized, and friendly to life than they were in those days long past. That was neither here nor there, though. It was simply Enno waxing poetic on the history of their great empire.

They were met by the knights of Caria, guarding the door, both in the armor of the finest Silverite materials garbed in the kingdom's signature blue and gold heraldry. They both placed their spears in front of the door, "I'm afraid there is a council in session, my prince and princess." A knight said, bowing their head apologetically. "And Lord Mimir, I dare say you might be needed this time. It seems like there have been some grim debates on the state of affairs within our neighboring House of the Sun. Something…" The guard paused, clearly disquieted with all they had heard. "Something has happened to cause upheaval in their realm."

Mimir sighed deeply, looking very tired for a moment, "because there always is, ser knight. There always is."

"That is troubling," Enno said thoughtfully, nodding slowly. He looked to the guard to the guard seriously, "that is why father and mother might need Lord Mimir's council. And why we should be there to see."

The two guards looked at each other dubiously, "Lord Enno," the other suggested, "I feel you should go and play with your sister. Some things are not for the eyes of children to see. Or for their ears to hear."

"Prithee, ser knight," Ranni pleaded, giving the knight her best puppy dog eyes. Enno knew it was a technique even the hardest knight could not resist. "Brother, and I only wish to be able to help our kingdom flourish. One day, I will rule these lands. It is a matriarchy, is it not? Brothers Rykard, and Radahn might be older than I but 'tis the women who make the decisions. They only will aid me in running this grand kingdom. And I will oversee it all with the wisdom of the moon as my guide."

Mimir beamed at the young Lunar Princess' use of her speechcraft lessons in such an effective manner. Both the guards seemed to be taken aback by the use of authority in her voice. Given she was young, they thought her not capable of such sound logic and innate power as a crown princess. They would see that the young Prince of Swords, as he would be later dubbed, was no slouch, either.

"I know your voice, my good knight," Enno began sternly, locking eyes with the knight, "you are the uncle of one of my dear friends, the daughters of Preceptor Abrik, Ruth, and Fiza. Need I remind you that you owe the crown, more importantly, me, a debt of honor? Last summer, during swimming lessons, Ruth almost drowned with no one to reach her to bring her to shore on the lake. Except for me, ser knight. That is right…I saved her life that one warm, sun-kissed summer's day! Would you refuse the request from your prince when a debt of honor is owed? What would your fellows in Valhalla say when they learn you did not repay debt after being cut down in the line of duty?"

Enno took a single step forward. The guard, despite greater his stature, took a step back. Enno's eyes blazed with the fires something beyond the moon. Even at that time, he was consumed with outstanding magic powers. Even unintentionally, a slip of his massive reserves could cow the mightiest of knights. One supposes it was all innate considering he was part god. And his father part Fire Giant, a member of the Great Surtr's clan.

The guard gulped, in a frazzled panic. He raised his spear, and the other guard did the same in mime. Clearly convinced by the Lunar Princess's arguments. "F-Fine," the guard stammered, "just don't come to us when the queen and king are upset with you both."

Mimir laughed dismissively, pushing aside the doors. "Well done, you two," he complimented lightly as they entered the chamber. "You are truly your mother's children. You both could have taken Magni and Modi, couldn't you?"

It is less of a question and more of a statement. Ranni scowled, "Less time wasted on them the better, right Enno?"

Enno nodded strongly, "I see no need to use violence when you could simply use your words. And at times my incredible mana reserves to create spiritual pressure."

Mimir grunted in affirmation, saying aloud as he stroked his dark beard, "Hrrm. That's incredible at your age. I can only imagine what you'll be able to do when you get older."

Enno chuckled under his breath, "Keep in mind, Mimir. I seek to fade out into the background. Not step into the foreground."

Ranni huffed at her brother, she bit out sarcastically, "you truly are a one-of-a-kind prince, brother. The kind who should be reeducated on his station."

The chamber was made up of a long table to account for every member of the council. Both mortal, and god were present, sitting at their seats with Rennala at the head of the table. The Carian queen of a woman of great stature, literally. She was part Giant, and therefore taller than most. Her long raven dark hair was done up into a queenly ponytail adorned with gorgeous golden star ornamentation. Her crown was equally something to behold since it was made of silver, and encrusted with jewels made of blue sapphires and night-shaded lapis lazuli. She wore the queenly robes with the colors of their royal family of blue, and gold. Rennala possessed an innate dignified, dreamlike ennui that only a queen could embody.

She remained nonplussed by the discussion occurring among the others at the table. She merely leaned on the armrest of her chair, her hand on her delicate white chin as she sat back.

Radagon sat to her left, their lord father, sitting there in his regal golden finery. He was the opposite of his dear wife, focused and intent upon the happenings before him. "I'm telling you," the king consort insisted, 'we should not move militarily at this point, father-in-law. It will cause needless bloodshed. Surely, the nation does not claim to want war after two and a half decades of peace."

The second man, the All-Father himself, Odin spat, slamming his ring-laden, tattooed fist on the table. "Screw peace, Radagon," He sneered, looking at his son-in-law with disdain. The All-Father was surprisingly short in stature, full-grown man-sized despite his reported giant heritage. He held a Silverite magic stave in one hand, as always. Enno had never seen it prior, but he had heard from stories that grandfather's stave was also a mighty spear, Gungnir, a weapon when tossed rendered instant victory. Although, Enno wondered if that was indeed the case, or merely stories.

He had a dark beard with multiple braids hanging off adorned with silver ornaments on the end of them, and thinning dark hair on top of his head, surprisingly. Enno had never heard of gods going bald other than Odin. Compared to the other gods he'd heard of; he was much less impressive looking than most. Almost unassuming in appearance despite the fine clothing he wore. His tunic was blue with gold trimming on the edges as the rest of the family wore. His cloak was a thick leather affair with blue and gold lining with floral patterns on the inside. His one midnight blue on his left eye was narrowed dangerously at Radagon. His right was covered by a sheer black eyepatch made of tough-looking leather. Rather than regal, it gave him a more rugged feel. Enno supposed that was only right since his Aesir relatives came from a more…northern barbarian background than the cultured image that their mother sought to project. Their world was of blood on the ice, of axes, and chill snow-driven nights.

Odin aggressively continued, not noticing them enter the chamber at all. Radagon, ever aware, eyed them with a fair bit of gladness. Acknowledging them with a nod. Although, Odin did not seem to register this on his tirade. "And I'm telling you, it's for the safety of our nation. Our houses might be joined but that doesn't mean that they are to be trusted. Especially with how sneaky that wench Marika is. It could be a means to distract us from her true aims. Whatever that is, I'm sure she's scheming something."

Another at the table snorted at him, saying teasingly. "Are you sure that you don't wish for an excuse to take her territory and bed her, grandfather?" Odin merely shook his head, rolling his single midnight blue eye at the joke.

The man was their elder brother, Radahn. The second eldest, to be exact. He was great in stature just like their mother. He was practically a giant at over eight feet tall with shoulders as broad as a mountain range. Once more just like their loving father, he possessed red locks and molten golden eyes. His eyes shone in mocking mirth. Compared to the others, his hair was cut rather short in a Caesarean style. He was decked out in full golden armor, his golden helm with a crimson plume of curly red hair coming off the top of the helm was sitting on the table. It was a helm lovingly crafted in the shape of a lion's head. They called him the Red Lion of the Battlefield at twenty-four years of age. He was surely known for both his size, and prowess in combat. His fists were the size of a man's head. And it looked like he could reach over, and pinch off the All Father's head with little effort.

The very thought of it made Enno grin from ear to ear. Radahn went on in his booming voice, "I mean, grandfather, she's without a husband right now. It is likely with Godfrey driven off into the Badlands, she'll need a new one." Suddenly, he great sadness overtook his formerly playful expression. "It is most unfortunate, though. And more baffling still that she would toss aside the one, and only Elden Lord. I indeed wished to show him what I was made of at least once!"

"Yes, yes," A posh, cultured voice said, waving a hand ringed with multiple jeweled rubies and ambers. "We all know, younger brother. You are a fanboy for the Lord of the Battlefield. But…" He steepled both hands together, the other with golden rings with diamonds, and sapphires. He had a devilish grin on his face. A hungry glint in his golden eyes suggested he wished for greater power, and wealth by any means necessary. "With war, there is opportunity. A chance to expand our resources, territory, subjects, and…our coffers, of course."

The source of the voice in question in question was their eldest brother, Rykard. While their brother was a general in their armed forces, Rykard was a Praetor in their covert echelons. He was in charge of the nation's security. He oversaw all of the nation's intelligence gathering, and some whispered the castle's torture chambers. He'd gained his reputation by putting down an internal plot to overthrow their queen mother. There was no insurrection to be spoken of any longer when Rykard found out about the matter. It was all put aside quietly. As quietly as one could with knives through the back, and torture sessions down the castle dungeon.

His brother had hawkish angular features, much like their father had. Which somehow complimented how piercing his golden eyes were. No, perhaps they were snake-like? That's what people often called him for his deviousness. It always looked like there was something going on behind them. Much like father, he was a lover of all that was gold complimented by the red of his fine clothes. He wore many golden trinkets bejeweled with all the different stones you could think of. He also wore a crown upon his head, suggesting he was already a king of men. While he was a prince, he still had yet to reach the heights of a true liege. The one thing that could be said of the man was that he was ambitious. Rykard often pushed him to meet his potential. Enno, to be honest, though, thought he'd push back that meeting until never.

Radahn let out a large guffaw, enough so the very sound of it shook the candelabras and bowls of fruit on the table laid out as snacks by the servants. "I compliment your eagerness, dear brother," Radahn said lightly, jabbing the man back. "But we all know you wish for the former Elden Lord's fortress residence in the mouth of Mt. Gelmir. All for the purposes of ruling a kingdom of your own, am I right?"

Rykard harrumphed, smirking at his brother as he glanced at him with those piercing golden eyes. Though, there was a tinge of playfulness to his words. "And you, my young lion, are also looking forward to this as well. You battle maniac."

Radahn thumped his large hand against his chest proudly. "I am what I am, you sly snake." The giant of a man responded in good humor, "I care not for territory or honors. All I wish for is the rush of adrenaline pumping through my veins. I hear that the warriors of the House of the Sun are mighty indeed. That is why I feel I will be savoring such an encounter in the field of battle."

"Temper that resolve of yours with a bit of strategy, Radahn. And we might be getting somewhere." Odin remarked bitingly, raising two fingers to almost pinch the air itself. Enno had no doubt he could do it given he was the god of all wisdom, and magic. As much as he mistrusted his grandfather, he knew he was capable of things no other magician was.

"Such kind words, grandfather," Radahn let it roll off of his mountainous shoulders like rain. Nothing had a way of piercing his armor. Not swords, and most definitely not words. "They call me the "Starscourge" for a reason," our brother said with all the proud confidence his extra-large frame could muster. "I will crush those tree-pissing dogs with my presence alone. Just as I did the stars threatening my dear Sellia."

"More like with your girth alone, what do your parents feed you? Whole cows?" Odin scathingly said, a grin splitting his face in two. He saw the forbidding look our lord father gave him. "Look, I kid." He lifted his hands defensively, turning to father. "You're such a stiff. Radagon, I swear. Lighten up a little."

"Perhaps you should take this more seriously, father-in-law," Father glowered at the All-Father. The skin around his eyes tensed something fiercely. "We are speaking of the fate of entire kingdoms, and their citizenry."

"You are so sensitive, Raddy," Odin casually brushed him off. "I am taking this seriously. You just take it too seriously."

Father bristled at the use of the nickname, "Enough of this farce," he snapped, pointing a finger at the supposed Father of All. "You will not speak to me in such a way at my table. In my home."

The All Father remained placidly calm, eying our father as if he was a bug, "this might be a home you live in," Odin pointed out evenly, "But these bricks were laid by my hands. The hands of my whole family, the Aesir. And the mortar used to clench them together with my daughter's blood, sweat, and tears. You're just a latecomer, Radagon. A mere "champion" who was cowed by my daughter not once but twice. The second time by her charms alone. And now you yap at me, like a lap dog."

"Do not," Radagon warned, standing from his seat, leaning forward on the table with his hands, "I caution you, Odin." Father looked ready to leap across the table and show him what for. I actually wanted it to happen. "Continuing down this path shan't end well for thee. I promise thou there shall be consequences."

Odin laughed, and pointed at our father with his stave rather mockingly, "Listen to you, Radagon. Breaking out the thees, and thous to look tough. You Erdtree types are so damn pretentious."

"You are one to talk," Radagon argued back, baring his teeth at grandfather like a wolf, gnashing them as he spoke, "considering the airs you put on. You think you're so above everyone. Even your children. You think you walk upon the clouds, but you only walk upon dung and falsehoods. Just ask Freya what loving, and trusting you got her. Stripped of her will to battle, her wings, and cast out into the wilds like a dog."

Odin simply smiled grimly at his son-in-law, "I could always do the same to you, Radagon." He said in a smooth, cold voice akin to the ice-laden mountains of Asgard, "Send you stuffed, and mounted to Marika like a carcass of a game animal hunted by my kin. You wouldn't even be worth stripping for the meat. You're way too stringy for something so dignified."

Father's hand groped the hilt of his blade. And Odin the shaft of his Silverite stave just as tightly. The air around us in the chamber grew too tense for words. Ranni shuddered beside me. He squeezed her hand tightly. Enno shuddered as well…with excitement at the sheer terror of the moment. He had always wanted to see this. Father standing over the carcass of grandfather, victorious. And now it was finally coming true.

Radagon, and Rykard both stood up from their chairs, the wood creating a horrid sound along the hardwood floors. No doubt suffering them quite terribly. This was why we couldn't have nice things. And even Mimir stepped forward, protecting us with his body from whatever magic might be thrown. Ranni hid behind Enno, and Enno tried my best to peer around the smartest man alive. He didn't want to miss a moment of this!

It was then the thunder in the atmosphere died down. Rennala finally spoke, and suddenly stood up. Pale white hands were upon their shoulders. "Now, now," Mother said calmly, rather placidly in a voice barely above a whisper. "I know you two do not get along but please do not resort to violence."

Mother stopped both mighty gods by stepping between them, she was the thunder, and the lightning itself. She gave a gentle, loving look to their father, caressing his cheek with a gentle smile, "Radagon, forgive father," she pleaded quietly, "It is simply his way. He was always harsh with me as a child, but he only wished to see me reach my potential."

Radagon relented, taking his hand off his sword. Although, he still ground his teeth like a wild animal denied his kill, "Fine, dearest…" Father trailed off, having no more words. He saw back down, no doubt silently contemplating how he would have killed Odin with his fingers woven together as brother Rykard commonly did.

Rennala then turned to her father, placing a gentle hand on the hand holding his stave. "Now, father, you know Radagon is fiercely protective of this kingdom, and our children," Rennala said placatingly, squeezing his hand. "Just as you are. I know you have our best at heart. Just as my husband does."

Odin glared at the figure of Radagon, then he went back to his daughter, expression softening, "Alright, Rennala," Odin sighed in defeat, giving mother's hand a squeeze in return. "You know I'm just tense. I really just don't want to see anything happen to you. Or this kingdom. This is your land, but I also consider this my investment. So, I will further you, and Caria by any means possible."

Rennala nodded slowly in understanding, "I know, father. War is the way of us Aesir. It has been since time immemorial. We live to die in the name of glory." Enno knew there was a but here. It was all too common with mother. A move she used to soften the blow. "I do not wish for war. I will honor my commitment, and the oath Marika and I swore for the sake of peace."

Odin frowned, shaking his head vehemently, "I know there's something wrong here, Renny. That witch has something up her sleeves. Why else would she just dismiss her husband of four thousand years? The prime cut, the choice piece of beef out of all of them. The fucking Elden Lord."

Rennala gave her father a dubious look. Odin said defensively, "I only cast aside Freya because of what she did to Baldr. It was most vile. Even if it was for the sake of protecting him. Your brother isn't there anymore since he lost his senses. Literally! The guy's just an unfeeling husk now thanks to those stupid enchantments." The All-Father let out a frustrated groan. "I still can't decipher that rigamarole of enchantments. It's the Gordian Knot of all enchantments. And I know everything."

Mimir called out, taking a step forward. "Why Lord Odin, I thought you proclaimed I was the smartest man alive."

Odin cackled at his wit, "I did say that, you old goat," he gestured to Mimir with his stave, "But, I said you were the smartest man. Not the smartest god. You're still second to me."

Mimir snorted at the man's pride, knowing that it wasn't a joke. It was a sly way of saying he should know his place, "We shall see, my lord," Mimir said in a way that subtly said "this wasn't over", "but I believe I you might need my input."

Odin looked intrigued, taking a seat once more. He crossed his legs, and laid back in the seat. "Let's hear it, Mimir. I made you one of us for a reason even though you are from lands beyond these."

Rykard, and Radahn both took a seat again as well, Radahn looking the more disappointed of the two.

"I was looking forward to a good rumble," Radahn pouted, sagging into his seat.

"Shush," Rykard hushed the young lion, "There is always next time." He leaned forward, looking on with rapt attention. "Mimir speaks."

"All right," Radahn allowed, growling impatiently, "He'd better say we should go to war."

"You and me both, brother…" Rykard agreed, muttering, "You and me both."

Everyone, even Rennala, and the children in the corner, sat back to hear the Smartest Man's appraisal of the situation.

Mimir cleared his throat, eyes of all the room upon him. He straitened by back, and leveled his shoulders as he crossed his arms behind his back. "Ladies, and gentlemen," Mimir began with a booming voice, his bejeweled stare sweeping across the entire council. "I believe we should take a measured approach to the situation. Prepare for the worst while expecting the best. We should be ready for anything Marika tries. She might have sent Godfrey away to do a pincer attack on our flank where we least expect it. Godfrey would be the shock troop force that distracted us from the north while Marika gathered her armies on the Altus Plateau. They hold the high ground and we the low in Liurnia. Geographically speaking, we are at a great disadvantage."

"Sure, up our defenses, then," Odin nodded along, his one free hand playing with the braids of his beard, "that makes sense."

Radahn growled, hand curling into a fist on the tabletop, "I don't like the idea of being on the defensive, though. We should be like a scorching wildfire. Burn up all that golden grass up there in one fell swoop. We have the airships to mount an attack easily. They're all just kindling ready to be lit aflame from above."

Rykard shook his head, tapping the side of his head, "think, brother. That would be much too obvious. The House of the Sun might not have an air force like us. But they have a primal force we do not."

"Dragons!" Enno spoke up, raising his hand as if he were in class. "Godwyn the Golden has held command over them since the Dragon War twelve hundred years ago."

Ranni blushed slightly, no doubt having heard the epic stories of the mighty prince of dragons, "That's right. During the war, he befriended the chief dragon Fortissaxx, and brokered a great peace that lasts to this day with them."

"The Ancient Dragon Cult," Enno finished for his sister, "was established in the wake of the war. And absorbed into the auspices of the Golden Order."

"Well done, both of you," Father spoke, smiling proudly as he praised his youngest children, "I see you have done the recommended reading."

"It's not like I'd pass up the chance to learn from you, father," Enno chirped, crossing his arms across his chest with a grin. "I am your child after all."

Ranni stammered, blushing even further, lifting up a hand to hide her beet-red cheeks, "I didn't do it for the tale of a charming prince, either. I did it purely to know the state of affairs when we came of age, and visited Leyndell in the future."

"Aw, Ranni," Enno cooed, patting his sister on the cheek. "You have a crush, don't you?"

"I do not!" Ranni denied very much fervently, her face lighting up even more. "I'm not like you, Enno. Flirting with all the girls you can find. Ruth, and Fiza are both smitten with you just because of your dumb heroics."

Enno shrugged, "I can not help the fact they were in trouble, sister. Or that I was there to help them through it."

"Whatever," Ranni murmured, "arguing with you would be useless since I know you love making excuses. You womanizer."

Everyone shared a good laugh, suddenly all the tension of the near conflict was lost with their antics. Unfortunately, it was not to last for more than a moment. The doors to the chamber were suddenly thrown open, admitting a whole cadre of priests. Not of the Temple of the Moon but of the Golden Order!

Rennala stood up, slamming her hands on the table. A look of fury in her eyes. The dream-like quality in her eyes was now gone. Here was the Queen of Caria, a ruler above all. The very Moon herself, and their mother. "How dare you come in unannounced?!" Rennala snapped, "We are in the middle of a meeting of the Grand Council!"

A deep gravelly voice spoke in response, the figure it belonged to lowering his head in apology, "Please excuse the rude sudden entrance. No one expects it when the Golden Order arrives, after all."

The figure was a man cloaked in gold, and wreathed in silver armor. Telling of his patronage of the magic arts of both Leyndell, and Caria. His silver helm was topped with the spikes of a crown, denoting his royal heritage. Stranger still the area around the cheeks and chin area of the helm was an intricately "beard" of silver ears. One the chest piece, there was a large silver arm adorning the stomach area. One the joints knee of the grieves there were also depictions of eyes. Really there were too many depictions of eyes, and ears on his armor and cloak to count. It was a sight that gave Enno shudders of the sheer weirdness of it.

He was a tall, spindly figure, despite the intricate armor. It was easy to say he was a squishy mage. Yet, the aura of power he radiated told Enno that most challengers who favored physicality would be shredded before they could even get close to him to lay down a blow. With that "cane" of his he could cast all manner of magic, Enno knew that it was more a stave. No, a scepter of a lord of knowledge. It depicted a silver hand grasping a large pearl. Ever reaching for the goal of greater knowledge.

Gideon held it like a cane, leaning in on it as he took a step forward. Hunching over as if he were a man much older. For all he knew, the man was of great age with the shadows hiding his face. And greater wisdom. It was then Enno put it all together.

His blue eyes widened in surprise, "You're Gideon Ofnir," he gasped, pointing at the man. "The All-Knowing!"

The man lightly chuckled at the recognition of a child. "Yes, that is my goal and what they call me," the man turned his head to face him, no face still. All shadows. Enno immediately thought he was hiding his face with an illusion enchantment. And not a mask beneath the helm. "And you are Prince Enno, the little prince they both say is brilliant and lazy."

"I prefer lackadaisical, much more of a charming word," Enno said, scowling at the man. "But that's not important. Can't you see you're a Golden Order lackey in my family's castle? Interrupting an important meeting. And my family time."

"Yes!" Ranni chimed, tossing her long rose-colored hair braid over her shoulder as she glowered at the man. "You're too rude for words! Get out while you still have your head about you!"

"Ah," Gideon laughed once more, not threatened by the words of children in the slightest. "The words babes utter these days."

Mimir grimaced, bitingly putting in his two cents, "the supposed "All-Knowing" doesn't know anything of manners still."

Gideon eyed the man, giving him a shake of his head, "How naïve of you to chide me, Mimir, I am here on the orders of the Greater Will. Her will trumps all. Even the command of the Moon herself. It only reflects the light of the Sun, after all. The One Star calls for someone," he gestured across the room with his cane, "You, King Radagon, our Great Champion who was chosen by the Will. The Great She calls for you to return home to the bosom of her loving embrace. So you may rise above all, and become Elden Lord."

A cacophony of voices sound sounded off at once. Not believing what they were hearing. The loudest was of Radagon himself, looking about as surprised. "That cannot be possible!" He shouted at the top of his lungs. "Why?! Why me?! Why now?!"

Gideon gazed at the man for a long moment, his face all darkness. "You know why, Radagon. Do not be ignorant."

It was then that Radagon had a look of complete comprehension. His hand clenched into a clenched fist. And he twitched. After a moment his expression became that of stoicism. Revealing no information. Nothing even the greatest mind could glean.

Rennala was struck by a grim thought like a rock to the back of her head, "No," she whimpered lightly, desperately looking to her husband, "that means…"

"Yes…" Gideon answered bluntly, "My queen, that means he will marry Queen Marika. And dissolve his marriage with you for there cannot be two of you married to him. It would simply be uncouth in the eyes of our Brightest Star."

Rennala looked on, absolutely rattled, unable to make the words to protest. She reached out to Radagon, wishing for him to take her hand. And deny this pure foolishness. Radagon moved forward, showing only his back to his queen.

"I am sorry, my love," He said quietly, looking back at her for even a moment. All Enno saw was a shadow on his father's face. A shadow of regret but painted of determination all the same. "I must go. For the good of all."

It was then that Rennala simply collapsed into a heap on the floor with a sound thud. Her strings cut like a puppet.

"Mommy!"

"Mother!"

"Rennala!

"Dear Mother! No!"

"Mom! Get up!"

All of the children, and her father were at her side at once. All worried and fretting over her body.

Odin scooped Rennala into his arms, and he checked her pulse. She was alive, and breathing steadily. It was just as if she ceased to function. "Baby!" He clenched her body to his in an all-consuming embrace and choked a sob. "Please, wake up!"

Rykard was the first to rise up, his hand around his golden sword's hilt. "What witchcraft is this?!" He demanded, ready to tear them all to shreds. "I swear I will throw you, and your entourage into my dungeon if you don't! You'll endure every torture imaginably concocted by mankind by my hand!"

Radahn joined him, giant hand a fist ready to smash Ofnir into pieces. "Tell us," he boomed, "or you will be broken over my knee!"

Mimir as well looked ready to draw his dagger on the All-Knowing as well. "You bastard!" He angrily growled, "Undo what you just did, or else!"

Ofnir brushed a piece of soot from his cape with his free hand. "That?" Ofnir asked quizzically, innocently tilting his head. "I did nothing over the sort. Looks to me like the shock made her pass out. Nothing more, and nothing less."

Radagon offered no justification. He merely still walked towards the exit. It was then Ranni came up to her father with great speed. "Father, please!" She cried out, her golden eyes thick with tears. "Stay with us! You're everything to me! Everything to us! Please!"

Ranni now clinging to her father's massive leg. He was a redwood, and she a shrub in comparison. Still, she sought to anchor the great king, nay, Elden Lord to the earth with the force of gravity alone.

Radagon placed a gentle hand upon her head, no words to be had. He didn't even look down as his only daughter.

She looked up, eyes hopeful despite the tears. "Daddy?" She mewled like a newborn kitten. "You're staying, right?"

It was then that there was a thud. And Ranni was on the floor, all tears and sobbing. "Daddy!" Her face contorted in anguish. The anguish of a child to be abandoned in the great wood of life. "Please! Stay! PLEASE! DON'T GO!" She wailed piercingly as an ocean of tears ran down her face. "DON'T! GOOOOO!"

It was then that Enno rushed over, scooping up his twin sister in his arms protectively. "HEY, YOU!" Enno yelled with all the force his tiny lungs could muster. "GET BACK HERE! YOU SHITTY OLD MAN! CAN'T YOU SEE WHAT THIS IS?! A TRICK! A FUCKING BUNCH OF GOLD-TINGED SHIT!"

Radagon didn't turn back. He merely kept walking to Ofnir's side. It seemed like a fathom to Enno. An impossible distance no voice could reach. Radagon might as well have been an entire world away.

It was then something snapped within Enno. A wave of anger overtook him. A great fire lit from within him. He lifted his hand, and fire danced across his fingertips. "Hellfire, I call you to my side!" He chanted something deep, and dark. The flames of the abyss became his. "Lash my foes with your vengeance! And TURN THEM TO FUCKING ASHES! FLAMES OF THE DAMNED!"

Enno didn't think. He merely chanted, unleashing his powers into it all. A wave of black flames suddenly manifested, and rushed forward. Aiming to consume both Radagon, Gideon, and his entourage. The entourage of priests cowered, and screamed in horror. Gideon Ofnir simply, and calmly raised a hand. But Radagon stamped his foot, and those flames became complete ice. And shattered into a million icy shards with a resounding crack.

Ofnir simply whistled admiringly, his servants looked on in awe of the lord's voiceless cast as well. "To think a child could cast a third-tier spell like that. Much less those of the abyss itself. Truly remarkable."

Radagon came to his side, no words to be offered. Ofnir nodded at the king, offering a graceful bow. "My liege, your carriage awaits. You are to be taken to Leyndell post haste."

Enno sat there, his anger abating. He embraced his sister, lovingly kissing her on the head. A resolve sudden formed within his heart. A fire beyond any other in the furnace in his chest burned like the sun.

"I'm sorry, sister," he muttered into her ear. "This is where we part ways as well. Tell everyone else I'm sorry, too."

Ranni's eyes went wide with fear, "No, brother… You can't! Don't you leave me, too!"

Enno had no words. Merely will. He gave his sister one final embrace, and then shouted for their father.

"Wait!" Enno stood up, running to his father's side. "Take me with you! Father!"

Radagon looked down on his son, a look of pure stoicism on it still. "Are you sure?" He asked, completely flat in his tone of voice. "You will be betraying everything you love, and everyone you love…"

"I don't care…" He said to his father, determination coloring his expression. "Take me with you. That's my one request, father."

His other siblings looked on, dumbfounded. Rykard couldn't believe his ears. "You can't that is foolishness incarnate!"

Radahn saw the look of pure adulterated passion in his eyes, "Brother… Let him…" He raised a giant hand to stop him. "He is a warrior. And warriors sometimes must do the unthinkable. The impossible is what he aims to accomplish."

"But…" Rykard murmured, then something clicked on his face. "I see…" He laughed ironically, "You were always a little shit, little brother…"

Mimir looked between them as if they were mad. "What the hell are you two even saying? The boy will be in great danger if he goes there! He'll basically be a political hostage, for fuck's sake! Use your heads!"

Radahn shook his head, glancing at the man with his golden eyes. They were full of flame as well. "For the world's smartest man, you sure are short-sighted…"

Odin rose up, stave in hand. And now next to Mimir, "Don't Mimir," he said, understanding coloring his visage. "You saw what he just did, right? It's the answer to it all…"

Mimir's jeweled eyes lit up with understanding, "The Cardinal Sin…"

Ofnir made a noise of understanding as well. "I see, lad…" The other priests protested, voicing their concerns.

"Let's leave him." One said, angered beyond reckoning, "He's too dangerous to be trusted near the Erdtree!"

Another had a look of sheer terror, "The prophecy! Don't tell me!"

A third screamed, "No! It can't be! Destined Death is locked away! There's no way!"

Ofnir cackled as a man driven insane, a single golden eye showed from behind the shadows of the man's face. "You have the other half, do you? The other half of the Rune of Death! How damn peachy!"

Radagon said nothing. Not seeming surprised in the slightest. He placed a hand on the shoulder of his young son. He began walking away with the entourage.

It was then Ranni's voice resounded across the hall. "ENNO!" She yelled, tears still in her eyes. "YOU HAD BETTER SHATTER THAT THRONE, OR ELSE I'll NEVER FORGIVE YOU!"

Enno gazed back, giving her one final meaningful look towards his twin. "I like that…" He announced, gazing upward with flames in his eyes. "hey, shitty old man! I'm the Thronebreaker! So you had better be ready for some hell!"

Radagon squeezed his son's shoulder tenderly, those gold flames also within his eyes. "Yes, son," he affirmed with a whisper. "I will wait until you are ready to confront fate itself. And confront me, as a result. So get stronger, and kill me. That's the only way it can be."

Enno scowled, hate in his voice, "Yeah," he said just as quietly. "We're enemies from now on. So don't you get weak on me, either. Or go easy on me."

It was then Radagon cracked a wry smile. Despite the pride he felt deep in his soul, he ached greatly in his heart. For fate had pitted them against one another from the very start.

A single tear hit the floor. There was no single source. It simply was. Now, and into, the future, fate had only a tragic design for this father and son pair. For prophecy was dictated by the stars themselves. And therefore, unerring in its course.