3 Chapter 3

The beginning

Present time....the kingdom era

"Cicero show me a way to change her death ?" Neil tried to change the future he saw of the girl dying. The ring demonstrated him a similar vision showed him running towards her fragments of the stranger who attacked her it didn't shed light of his identity yet.

Neil was in his bed laying on top of the covers a very big room. The bed was the central point of the room and was made from cast-iron and brass. The beds were covered with canopies drapes ,many pillows ,the room a display of shelves with drawers made of oak and mahogany.

The study table had traditional lamps, however crystal ,brass pottery and candlesticks were used on summer nights to light the room. Rugs on the floor were another feature of the bedroom soft rugs Oriental weaved rugs on the floor space.Walls were ornamented with family paintings.

The windows were neatly accessorized with drapes full curtains having fresh colors they brought brightness in the room.The windows opened as they were covered with laces curtains with a darker color base for cover.The fabrics on the curtains blue velvet, and brocade.

"Cicero show me a solution? How can l keep her safe ..." he sighed as he saw nothing his eyelids moving before he opened his eyes green piercing eyes, his thin lips in a curl,hair sprawled on the bed ...Silver,curly cascading lustrous strands,his figure making a faint depression the bed,a thin ,slim full figured ,average height to his father his head barely reaching his torso.

"Son your at again .....aren't you? Your grandfather told you when the right time comes the Ring will reveal the truth to you" the modulated voice of his father speaking as he walked in the room door wide open. Ryan was a matured man ,well defined, with a sharp jaw and angular cheekbones. The complexion of his fair skin going intune with his green eyes golden flecked,mouth in firm expression ,full chest nut brown hair neatly combed.

" l know but sometimes l can't resist just trying to understand" his frustration showing with frown lines on his face moving his arms in support propping himself upright on the bed to sit up ,where he was laid back in respect of his father's presence.

"I was calling you, prior thumping on the door when ,l heard no response figuring as much

.....the ring you used it right? Your still young adult as you are it doesn't give you much knowledge and experience either"his father advised him as his walking steps came to a halt at the bed. Smartly dressed in pants ,pleated frock shirt tucked in by the waist in low day boots hands by his sides facing his son.

"Now your grandfather can help you with how to understand the ring later now ,Come out its time for your lessons" he informed about to trace his steps back walking in exit to the door.

"Battling lessons again.... why?" his mouth puckering in complaint with knowledge of academic lessons astrology,music,geometry e.tc ,suddenly he was being trained to fight this felt excessive for him to handle.

" Neil we discussed this as a man you will have to protect not only yourself but what you wish to protect,follow me now....Another thing a man doesn't pout Neil even if don't like something " his steps stopping turning back Ryan smiled at his son to his that last remark and went out leaving the room strolling in the foyer anticipating that the kid should follow out behind him.

Neil smiled back in response to his father

"Yes father" moving ceaselessly away from the bed ,he stood up leaving his bedroom as well.

Neil followed his father's trail out of his room, passing closed bedrooms wing of his family,into the foyer down the stairs.

" Good day Lord Cole ,afternoon young master Neil"the servants in greeting who were tidying the room furniture before proceeding with their obligations.Neil's father returned the greeting with brief nod and reply in acknowledgment passing by the boy following suit ,walking into the parlor which was opposite the front hall behind the closed doors of the second entry way of the residence, walking through the open drawing room door where servants were busy working to the back hall way exit passing by servants moving around the house ,organizing food,household servants performing their duties ,cooks cleaning in the kitchens walking in passage leading the outside.

Outside where the court yard lead to open to the pavements of residence,the manor house stables showing hills grassy landscape of the land.The manor built with a panorama of the surrounding land of free nature of forests ,river streams ,manors,castle estates. Steadfast walls were built for defence in an age that was defined by jealousy, greed and the love of power as much as honour, nobility and loyalty to the crown.

The king's castle stood tall to inspire awe in a realm run on deference to royalty, to title and social status. From cloistered rooms land parcels were given to lords for promised service. In times when "technology" meant wood, string and metal armoury, the expectation of comfort was reserved for just a few. It was a world of subsistence living for all but the mighty who guarded their kingdoms and people.

The trees stood mute in the late spring air the mugginess with an alleviating wind bring relief.The sun splendid in the cornflower-blue sky, sparkling as though one impeccable petal was extended so wide around all the world.The scent of unmistakable fragrance of leaf and soil dry from breeze of the wind.

Summer crept across the housing estate igniting the weeds and grasses that grew in the cracked pavement beside the courtyard.

Neil was on his second week of learning swordsmanship grumbled, "Who in the century has found this to be a useful skill?" He tried to insert some humor in his complaint,Neil was standing in breeches , white collar shirt ,his brother getting ready to practice with him, in the court yard waiting for him after arriving from an errand sent by his father early morning in the town.

"Everybody utilizes it Neil ,You will require it soon enough, for your own assurance presently let your sibling show you properly"Ryan his dad exhorted pushing him forward to get a wooden practice sword.

As he went back to the sitting area, approaching were the set up treats and drinks were by the servant maid on the table next to them ,Ryan standing up to the side table getting ale looked down for a moment, pouring glasses one for his father before and bringing his own drink to his lips.

Ryan plunked down adjacent to his father on the table and chairs put out by the servants in the courtyard for them to watch the his sons battling.

"Are you scared now baby brother ?" Alec tone in mocking voice, extending a grin on his face looking at his younger brother. Approaching forward before him, in all his grandeur. A black tailored suit with a charming black tie in boots ,dressed for an outing he had gone to not having the time to change. His chiseled jaw lifted with a proud, provocative smile. His eyes sparkling green, his soft, feather-like black hair brushed away from his brow. He was charming and smart. His voice was that of any matured young man, honeyed and proud.

" No ,l am not afraid of you Alec..... but father , he has more experience than me of course he will win against an amateur" Neil complained looking at his brother and to his father who was sitting down in a distant across them.

"Neil that's is the whole point, so your get experience quickly. Now get ready to practice take this seriously it's important"

" Apologies yes father " adhering to his father's command, prepared him self bring to thought ,his first practice lesson Neil looked at the practice wooden blanks on the table one the weapons wall left side of the court yard space.

Neil hauled his own weapon, contemplating Alec's represent his feet were spread at right edges, his deserted arm standing out him ,sword pointed directly at him ..."More weight on your back foot," he stated, poking Neil's boots further separated. "So you can push off when you attack..." "Consistently hold sideways to your rival," he stated, tenderly turning her. "That way, your chest presents the littlest conceivable objective " snatching his wooden sword against his brother at last testing him.

Neil was brought out of his daze by his grandfather's voice to begin dismissing his eyes from the training wooden shield boards

" Now boys get ready use your shield blanks and wooden sword sticks by tables across you from the ground. Felix grandfather of the boys and his son ,his appearance was identifiable through similar green eyes ,the wrinkles of age were sign of aging, however he had a taller body build from them.

Felix referencing to the tools laid out for them to fight which was beside arranged for in advance for their lessons.

Alec and Neil appropriately went head to head on the stone squares solid floor of the yard. The region was wide enough for both of them to battle and not hurt others.

The were many practice weapons yet they began with the least complex for a beginners.Alec threw off his dark suit jacket and revealed a man clothed in a shirt and long tight fitting pants.

Neil having a hold of his weapon,he gripped the sword with both hands,having his right hand at the top end of the grip and the other hand at the bottom of the grip, closer to the pommel as he was taught. His posture elbows bent and close to the body.

Alec in procedural getting ready also took his wooden sword having a firm hold on ,opening his body at angle degree.This position allowing a firm base of support to attack from hips toward his opponent ,facing his younger brother.

" On guard now ! Start! " the father voice in instruction to signify to the boys that they should get into positions and start attacking.

Alec making the first step in attack with his sword thrusting forward,parrying quickly, reflexively ,the attack redirecting the attack by pushing his sword out of the way with his sword moving forward in to attack. Alec cut from the other side, and Neil again parried. They moved, back and forth, trying to get a touch on the opponents body with a good pace until they actually to began to pay attention and speed beginning.

Neil with the next cut forward ,Alec threw his hands up, and parried high, with his sword point towards Neil's face missing however missed the attack ,Neil smiled in his pleasure at his brother miss, that gave him confidence to hit Alec's chest. Alec countering in defense again nearly missing the moment to thrust, but thrust he did. Neil, surprised, leapt backwards, slapping his brother's blade aside. Alec did not fight the blow, but turned the deflection into a mulinet and hit at Neil's neck and chest causing him to loose balance knocking over in jerky move dropping his sword to the effect of the hit and speed they were moving.

"I yield brother!"Neil spoke out admitting defeat to his brother's strike to his chest and neck Neil coughed out as air whooshed from his lungs ,as he was pushed breathing fast his chest vibrating protest from the sparring.

" Neil beside physical defenses think clearly when you move ,you would be dead with the hits inflicted in a real fight" his brother demonstrated earlier .Alec standing slowly drew down his wooden sword from his attack position ,Alec's face was a relaxed demeanor turning his attention with his grandfather's interference. All the while, Neil was holding his brother firmly in his gaze as he was out of breath squatting on his knees in exhaustion.

" Alec great job on the surprise deflection, your skills are getting more refined " his grandfather acknowledged with nod.

" Neil be aware of your feet distance also shoulder width apart ,step forward use your sword then start again! " Ryan reprimanded his son as he was practicing how to fight against his attacker.

"Yes father ,l will try again," it was not any task learning how to fighting with swords and to add an opponent with experience however he was taken off balance , Neil tried his best moving from his squatting posture from the ground standing up again taking his sword.

"Next, press again use the advantage decisively Neil, stand firm my boy " his grandfather shouted in encouragement from his seat in the courtyard area cleared for fight training.

" Alec don't go easy on your younger brother,he needs to learn to defend himself otherwise he will hopeless when he faces real danger" Ryan advised his son Alec to use his best strength,if the Cicero owner had a great responsibility.

"On guard again and .... Start "

Neil got ready again ,his brother across in position raising his sword up again to attack taking the first lounge forward approaching close with force to land a hit on his torso ,Neil took a large step back to avoid the attack.

Alec fast on his reflexes with speed his sword making a swipe to jab a hit , in swift move blocking the jab displacing Alec's sword his sword countering and launching a clean hit his chest as he attacked taking his brother in surprise.

"Excellent Neil but hold the handle of your sword properly, you will twist your wrist " his brother confirmed as he went back to defense position.

They continued training attacking, thrusting countering with wooden swords Neil stumbling a few times, getting successful hits a few times.Alec countering him proving guidance in other instances ,both out of breath and sweat drenching their shirts wet. The summer sun beating upon my them relentlessly, forcing beads of sweat down to appear on their foreheads.

Ryan lighting his hand signaled his sons to stop with enough practice for the day as Coleman his male attendant arrived with message for business matters.

Coleman the male attendant who arrived relaying" Lord Cole urgent news have arrived of the investigation and a message for the Lord of Dux" referring to Felix who listened and instructed the attendant to convey in the study.

" Alec ,its enough for the day for training your allowed to go where you wish,take a too break Neil" Felix instructed his grandsons standing up from his seat in the courtyard about to walk into the house.

Amelia the boy's mother appearance into the court yard ,as she was walked from kitchen door entryway ,the boys packing away their practice wooden planks on the nearby table. Felix was walking to the entry way walking into the house as he met her halfway Amelia greeting him with warmth.

" Lord of Dux supervising the boys training as usual" face bowing before she looked upwards Amelia smiled at her father-in law, looking past him her sons looking depleted and her husband seated about to stand.

"Yes since it was their weekly survey time ,Neil is struggling but there is room from for progress" alluding to their fighting earlier.

" Great to hear ,he is changing in accordance to his lessons alright, Lunch is being served l came to inform you in the dinning hall come join us ?"

"Will do after talk with Finish some estate affairs in the study but heard along with boys"

" As you wish" she nodding giving him way as he strolled past her into the house.

"Amelia l was beginning to wonder where you were ?"Ryan inserting to his wife presence, deserting his seat standing in approach.She smiled at his attention strolling towards embracing him kissing his cheeks as they met before they separated.

" l went on an errand for a few gardening materials for the flowers in the garden in town just came now, realizing l am famished lunchtime in the dining ?"Amelia smiled at her husband so disarmingly unaware of her beauty,suggesting to him they should walk together relaying their day.

Amelia was an attractive woman almond shaped hazel eyes ,fully pouty mouth ,corn silk long wavy hair ,dressed in stylish blue lacy gown with a square neckline demonstrating her slender body and medium height frame.Her pearl skin was completely flawless. She was all about simplicity, making things easy, helping those around her and happy with the people around her.

"Darling we will join you after l attend to matters in the study" referring to his attendant and his father who were went ahead walking into the house.

"Alright .... l will leave you to it but find me when you're done" facing her husband in smile that brightened her face. Ryan expression caught off guard but he quickly recovered smiling walking close his wife closing their distance.

"Mother ! we're still here you know " Neil complained in a sulk done clearing up their practice tools on the table at side of the patio. Alec picking his jacket about to walk across the centre of the court yard, back to the house.

"Yes ,l think it's our cue to leave Neil ... mother we will refresh before we eat in the dining hall" Alec mentioned as Neil followed his steps approaching the couple before walked past them into the house.

"A smart man knows when to peruse a situation go off now" Ryan eyes mesmerized on his wife concurred with the statement ,as Alec and Neil left the court yard leaving their presence.

Moments later in the study domain of the house the dark oak ,leather-clad rooms filled with solid furniture,Large windows,fitted bookshelves ,certificates and personal memorabilia.Antique mahogany rectangular table with three drawers on the right- side swivel chair in the centering the room, at left side of the room the display table with accompanying couches and middle high chair were family members read ,work quietly.

The main table on the surface a stack of papers pilling up,the writing quail and ink beside it ,summons. Felix was sitting on his chair the table in front of him working through some paperwork.

Coleman spoke the report he received " Lord of Dux, the is a request to investigate the kidnapping of four nobles sons who have disappeared "

" A case like that a vigils department can deal with is that all ? " looking down kept marking of certain solicitations his consideration regarding the administrative work.

"My Lord their female and male workers were discovered dead their wrists sliced open as they bleed to death and a cross imprint was left on all hands a letter left on the garments of their bodies" the male orderly indicated in a concerned articulation.

"What did the letter say that was found on them ?"Felix was attention was stirred dropping his qual quickly lifting his face looking the attendant eyes darting to his face.

"Confess.... your sins or your sons die" voice firm ,tall build ,blond haired,deep set, black eyes which were hidden with his face down before he was allowed to be ease.

" Coleman at ease now explain, how where the sons were even take in the first place ?"

That is obscure right now ,that will be investigated"

" The is request accepted, immediately send men to investigate who commits such a crime and alert the head guard of this news so patrols can be made.

" Yes l will do ...can l inform Lord Cole "

" Proceed his help would essential as it should be reported to the vigils bureau"

" Yes Lord Dux" walking out Coleman left the study closing the door.

Felix wasn't surprised with the vanishing of the sons but killings of servants was different, his doubts and suspicions currently now rising who was out there creating chaos in the making intertwining his hands on the table as gazed out there over the open window in thought.