Logan moves - True name

In the Loistava Palace, one day before Catherine and Helga reach Frook village.

"Your Majesty, the spies from Utshani alerted us of an unexpected movement from Catherine," an old-aged man at Loistava palace, who appears to be a minister, reported to King Logan. He looked astonished and grimaced as he awoke from his rage. The anger that flared in his eyes was enough to turn his court to ashes. Everyone frightened those eyes and took a step back to safety.

"What did you say? Speak!" he glanced up.

"According to the information provided by the spies, Catherine, her daughter Helga, Grand Cross Knight Ceasar Arkellis, and troops are making their way to the Egur kingdom through Nek-asrof. They state in the message that they are unsure of the precise cause of this unexpected travel, but the servants have heard that they went on a search for someone," the minister clarified

"She's seeking someone? Who? Now? why at this time? Who is she suddenly seeking after all these years of silence?" Logan proceeded to his throne bewildered and sat down. He lifted his head as someone reached the front and kneeled down.

"It will be an honour for my soldiers and me, Your Majesty if you permit, we shall move to Nek-asrof and discover the purpose of their journey," he spoke as everyone else in the courtroom muttered to one another.

"It's him right?"

"How dare he?"

"Does he aware of his place, such a lowly life?"

"Is this the manners he learned from Ostrov?"

The young man, whose grey eyes were adamant and whose ash hair waved in the slight breeze in front of Logan, was mortified by the shrill hushed voices. He disregarded all the blatant attacks on him as if he wasn't the subject of those talks; his strong-willed eyes were fixed on King Logan.

"Very well, Marcus Trova, the young Duke of Ostrov. As your father once told me, if you want to earn my trust, you must prove what you are capable of, your true self. Marcus, I hope you will not disappoint me. Just keep your sister, my wife, who is constantly by your side, in mind." Logan began to sip his wine as he relaxed on his throne, flashing Marcus a skewed smile.

"I shall obey your all commands from now on your Majesty. My allegiance is at your feet. I willingly knelt down in front of you and prepared to serve as your dog. I'll lead the pack wherever you indicate." He bent his head as his brow reached the cold marble floor. Logan burst out laughing with delight.

"Marcus Trova and his men are in charge of investigating the actions of the deposed queen Catherine. You may go to Nek-asrof and let me know whatever she does," he shouted to the court, and everyone bowed hesitantly in agreement. As Marcus left the courtroom, their jealous gazes followed him.

"I see you're finally moving, huh? Catherine? they said that you are searching for someone. Who? Catherine, I won't repeat the same mistake I did that day; not even La can save you from me. If I see you again, I'll murder you," Logan mused as he smashed the wine glass in his hand. His visage was as dazzling as a sun that was about to annihilate the entire world. His deep dark eyes resembled dread, and his long black hair tied haphazardly warned of his savage essence. His twisted sneer and blood-scented claws made others quiver in horror. He is Logan Fermi Leighann, monarch of Loistava and the terrifying beast that everyone fears. As Marcus exited the court, the minister who had delivered the news about Catherine came forward. His name was Nayogi Kao, and he served as Logan's prime minister and most valued advisor. He was present at the late King Willard's court as a minister of foreign affairs. He was important in revealing the mysteries of the Jaf desert and locating Inci for King Willard.

"Marcus Trova is the son of Darius Yakoob Trova, therefore I don't trust him, your Majesty. We don't know who Catherine is looking for, hence you can't send him and his men on this expedition alone," He spoke

"Nayogi, do you really think Catherine discovered Raya's son, that boy? Do you? I thought your men murdered him ten years ago," Logan scoffed.

"Yes, what if—" Nayogi's statements were cut short when he was struck by a deformed wine cup. Logan exited the throne with a thud and approached Nayogi. He stood trembling, terrified, and knelt to the ground, saying, "Your Highness, I have sinned, have mercy on me."

"It's a nuisance if the boy is still alive and she discovers him. Send our shadows to trail Marcus's troops, and if they come upon the boy, slaughter them all," commanded Logan, then departed.

Meanwhile, Marcus and his companions were prepared to proceed to Nek-asrof.

"My lord, if we traverse the land of Ouro, we can reach Aroo the next morning," one of Marcus's squad members observed.

Marcus glanced up as they departed the capital Shoma for Nek-asrof, "Yes, we must arrive there on time, we can't afford to lose anything."

Present time...

Mazzi is now standing at the entrance of the settlement of Frook, waiting for Catherine and the others to arrive. People weren't on the streets since there weren't many villagers and it was Egur's market day. Mazzi had instructed his men to defend Vera and Banami, so some went to Egur while Sicil and Xena remained.

They're here, Mazzi, what are your plans?" Xena questioned.

"I can't forgive my father and I can't accept him as my brother, but if he was doing all of this, neglecting his family to protect Vera because of his identity, I want to fulfil my duty as a son, by safeguarding my family," he said, hearing such sharp words others were stunned. Sicil grinned like a pleased master. The carriages came to a halt directly in front of them, and they stepped out.

"So our suspicions were correct, you know the woodcutter we were looking for?" Catherine said as she approached the entryway with Helga and Caesar.

"I apologise for not informing you sooner, but the sole woodcutter in Frook Mountain is, regrettably, my father. Isn't it just natural for me to defend my family when someone like you looks for them?" He retorted inquiring

While others were perplexed, Catherine grinned as though she anticipated this first.

"We're not looking for your father, but rather someone much younger—someone who is perhaps seventeen years old and pretending to be blind in order to conceal his distinctive golden eyes—do you recognise him? If my memory serves me well, I once heard my late spouse utter his name, Vera Willard Leighann," Catherine smiled.

Other than the sound of the wind, the sound of trees swinging in the wind, the sound of sand blowing in the wind, and the sound of house timbers rubbing against one other, there was utter quiet. Sicil and Xena exchanged startled glances as Mazzi was unable to speak or move. They were prepared for this response, but they couldn't quite bring themselves to accept it as truth.

"Do you want to continue the conversation, Mazzi?" Helga courageously stepped forward. "Yes, we shall converse," Mazzi said while clenching his fist and flashing his fiery eyes.

(TBC)