Raynor Castle Hallways,

Raynor Castle,

Central Nua,

It turns out that the message that was sent on the Crome Device by Artemus was received instantaneously by Hyperion Shadowbreaker at Raynor Castle. Lingering in the hallways of the Palace just after speaking to many Imperial Captains, Hyperion gets a vibration from the device in his pocket. At a time of frustration, he takes it out to take a look at it; the message received says “Brother, I have just arrived in Nua. I will meet you in Abadar as planned.”

“So Artemus really has come even when he will be labelled the enemy. What does that say about me, a man labelled a hero to all, magnicks included…” Hyperion said silently to himself.

Hyperion puts away his device. Betraying the King was the main thought on his mind but another, one that began to darken his heart was obeying him and going through with his agenda. It was an easier option, a safer path to follow. This put his mind at conflict, then suddenly a surge of grace is bestowed within him. He remembers his name, he remembers his roots, he remembers what is expected of him.

“How could I, a Shadowbreaker even consider the path of tyranny just to retain power over the nation. My father, descending from one of the founders of the Saints may have been the most honourable of men, the most honourable even. He once said in his own words that the most righteous are supposed to be in power and that man they call King is not. Did I forget my friend as well. A man who died for the greater good, a magnick and if not for him then I would never have obtained the position I have now. Then there’s Ester, she too is blessed with magica helping the people of Malu every day. And even more so my own brother who gave up everything for the cause of righteousness. No…I can’t do as the King orders, I won’t!” Hyperion quenched.

In his frustration, he nearly swings a fist into the air in the midst of the soldiers standing guard, the Imperials before him.

Hyperion infuriated with himself, takes a look at the men in the hallway. These men who belong to the mightiest legion in the world that serve without a care for what is truly noble. He doesn’t like the sight he is seeing. He doesn’t like the current Imperial ruler ship. And in the instant he is about to explode, Lord Dugal Tharal appears before him directly from behind. Dugal places his hand on Hyperion’s shoulder. This man of intense prowess standing at 6ft 3 in comparison to a 5ft 12 Hyperion, presents himself in a friendly manner. Hyperion is caught unaware.

“Huh?” he stuttered.

The young General turns around with the eyes of a beast wandering who has interrupted him in his thoughts. He now faces Lord Dugal Tharal, brother of the King and second in command of the Imperial Legion.

“Lord Dugal” Hyperion initiated converse.

The Imperial Lord smiles at his supposed subordinate. Despite his friendly gesture, Hyperion cares not about Dugal’s status as the second in command of the nation. Not at the instance of peril, not when King Yomato is set to doom the nation. Hyperion leaves himself unnerving with an unwelcoming presence.

“Ah…Hyperion. I’m glad I got the chance to see you after the meeting.” claimed Lord Dugal.

Aggravated by the sureness of the Imperial Lord, Hyperion looks away. After all, the Imperial Lord is on safe grounds and he is not.

“I see you were on your Crome. I’ve only read about this remarkable technology from Shinda but have never seen it directly. Is that what you use to communicate with your sibling, Artemus?” Lord Dugal questioned with a friendly gesture.

“That’s none of your business” Artemus replied.

His reply was aggressive and one that struck Dugal as disrespectful.

“Careful with your tone, young one. There is no need to be hostile” said Lord Dugal.

“I’ve held back way too much so I’m going to just say it. Your brother, no the King has lost the plot and you know it.” Hyperion said quietly.

Hyperion wonders what his superior is going to say in response to his ill speaking of the King and more so, his own brother. Dugal slowly and calmly puts his index finger on his lips pointing upwards to silence Hyperion. He starts off speaking to him loudly but quietens as he continues.

“Keep your voice down. I am aware of the situation in Nua and believe me, I don’t agree with what he is doing either. I too do not support his agenda” Lord Dugal replied.

The anger boiling in Hyperion’s heart stabilises, he is uneasy but no longer as tense as he was before. Dugal seems to share the same ideals Hyperion has who always saw him as honourable until briefly, however the light in his thoughts of the Imperial Lord has been restored. Lord Dugal continues speaking to Hyperion, quietly.

“But if we argue against his order on these grounds then we would surely be arrested by our own officers then executed for treason. Are you prepared to end your life by acting like a fool?” Dugal elaborated.

“So, you are concerned about this matter...” Hyperion stuttered.

The young Saint General says no more. He sees an Imperial Royal Guardsmen across the hallway, one giving him a nod as if he knows what he and the Imperial Lord are talking about. Hyperion looks at Dugal carefully to see his response. Now with an ally by his side, and one who compares to that of Kingship, Hyperion can see that he was acting carelessly almost like he had given up hope, ready to die with his beliefs rather than intellectually plan his next move diligently.

“Then I apologise for my rude tongue but what can we do to resolve this issue?” Hyperion questioned.

In response, Lord Dugal calmly places both his arms on Hyperion’s shoulders.

“All you can do is keep calm and wait my companion. I know my brother more than anyone so I will prepare the rebellion forces.” Lord Dugal replied.

Hyperion realises what the Imperial Lord’s plan is. He can see that Dugal devices to assassinate the King or get rid of him somehow but most likely needs Hyperion’s support as a man in a position of authority to retain control of Nua’s forces after a betrayal. Everything becomes clear and Hyperion nods his head in reply to accept Dugal’s plans. After all, the Saint’s are under his control.

“I’m just trying to figure out how I can assist you” said Hyperion.

“Everything will happen as the right time falls into place, but right now, wasn’t there someone you were scheduled to meet? A particular woman one of your desires...”” Lord Dugal garnered.

It suddenly hits Hyperion that he had forgot about Esterel, a young woman he is romantically interested in but had never truly confessed his feelings for. The first thing on his mind is the fact that he hadn’t told her how much he wanted her to be his wife with everything falling into place. Then right then, the term ‘magnick’ comes to mind. Esterel is a woman exceptionally gifted at using magica.

“Damn it, Esterel. I nearly forgot about her. First and foremost, I need to make sure she is safe before all this chaos gets out of hand but I promise, I will return to aid you.” Hyperion made clear.

Hyperion puts his hand on his chest and takes the pose of a soldier. He then walks off leaving the Imperial Lord and proceeds on his way out of the hallway.

“I’m sure you will, born son and prodigy.” Lord Dugal replied.

With that said, Dugal smiled at his ally remembering the hero’s heritage and his roots.