5 The Arrival. (Chapter 4)

As we crossed the border into Valtor, I felt excited. It was the first time I have ever experienced such an atmosphere, it didn't feel light and charming. But dark and mysterious. I liked this feeling. I felt more alive, More alert to my surroundings. But I also felt like I would find something here, something the rest of the world couldn't give me. The air was crisp and cold, refreshing to my lungs. The air was different here. Different, but better. I had never met a Nightslayer. My father banished them all because there was no other choice for the survival of our Lightning kind. They are all monsters. Created out of evil and put on this earth to destroy all things good and pure. At least, these are the stories that I have heard.

"Damien" my mother called me "don't stand so close to the edge of the ship, you never know what these Nightslayers put in their water." She spits with a digusted look on her face. Her red hair flowing with the wind as she holds onto her white dress trying not to get swept in the breeze. I hold onto her petit body so she wouldn't get swept up and fall into the water. I escorted her back to her quarter on the ship.

"Don't worry mother, I am going to be safe. Nothing will happen to me here. I promise"

"My Lord the king is expecting you on the top deck." I nod and make my way up the stairs where I see my father looking beyond the waves.

"Yes father" I say to grab his attention. My father's white suit matched mine, it was the colour of our house. He took great pride in the way we Lightnings present ourselves.

"We approach Land my son." He points to a small port just about visible in the settling mist over the water. "Are you ready?"

Confused I say "For what Father?"

He looks at me sternly "you know for what." I look down as I understand what he was referring too. "To kill the princess." He walks over to the table pulling out a sword, lifting it up admiring the craftsmanship. He makes his way over to me and hands it over. I take it hesitantly. Yet indeed, this sword was a masterpiece, perfectly balanced and the detail was white gold entracing our house crest hidden on the handle.

"It's magnificent father. Is it for me?"

Chuckling he says "Of course my son. Here noone is your friend. They all hate us. You need to be ready." I agree, I need to be ready.

"It is the Princesses 190th Birthday today. We are to attend a banquet in her honour and watch some ritual they do.

She won't be easily accessible. Try to seduce her and do it secretively.

All women are the same. Fragile, weak. It should be easy enough."

This is the main reason we came. My father wants revenge. My mother lost her sight in the battle between the Nightslayers and Lightnings. She always wishes she could see the man I became. I will do this for her.

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We enter the port, gathering our belongings I Escort my mother off the ship behind my father. Two men dressed in black robes came to take us to the Castle Valtor. They bowed out of respect to my father and mother and me. Addressing my father as "King Lucent" to our surprise. My father had thought they would be disrespectful to our names. The soilders empty our belongings into the carriages whilst I help my mother into the carriage. We were only here for 7 days at the request of King Darvos, for the peace talks and we are to attend some banquet in the princesses honour....such fun. Driving down the roads of Valtor I became known to one fact. The Nightslayers love their forests. Nearly everywhere was covered with large old trees that stretched their branches long lengths. Almost as if they had been designed to keep the sun out. The roads were clean and clear, with townfolk talking and laughing amongst themselves. Like, people. Not monsters at all. They must be good at hiding it. Everyone was dressed in black. It was their trademark, the black clothes, the black symbols tattooed on their bodies all symbolised their devotion to the dark arts. That was them. So easy to identify, very hard to kill. The land was beautiful, the people were content with their lives and the children looked healthy. I wonder what was so dangerous about them in the first place?Castle Valtor... Breathtaking. It was built on a slight mountain that overlooked the entire kingdom. Dark brick and trees, cracks in the walls and dark green plants. It was beautiful. Lanterns lit the courtyard as the carraige stopped. The soilders surrounded the carraige opening the door for my mother. I got out first to extend her my arm to help her, but one of the Valtor soilders had already taken care of it. I smiled to show my gratitude for his assistance. He smiled back.

"Lucent" a roaring voice came out from beyond the court. Over at the gate was a man, dressed in black robes with a silver crown in his head. I bowed.

"Darvos" my father replied. King Darvos chuckled at his remark and went in to hug my father. My father returned the hug but I saw he was a little irritated with the kings close proximity.

"I'm so glad you accepted my invitation." The king said shaking my Fathers hand.

"It was time for peace." My father said having no emotion in his words. I smirked slightly as I knew the real reason we were here. The king kissed my mother's hand in respect and smiled saying how long it had been since he had seen her. He then moved to me.

"You must be Prince Damien Lucent.." he stated looking me up and down.

"What a strapping young man you became. You were being born when I left Haydren. I never got a chance to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine in meeting you King Darvos." I say whilst bowing. "I have heard many stories of you growing up. You seemed quite the fighter."

"And he still is." A mysterious man appeared from behind the king. He was my height, blue eyed black haired man. We were alike in strength but I couldn't make out who he was. He seemed threatening as he didn't take his eye off me for one second.

"Prince Lucent" the king stated breaking our stare "meet my son, Prince Ryan Darvos." I extend my hand to shake his. He still doesn't take his eye off me and extends his hand and shakes mine, matching my strength.

He simply states "welcome to Valtor," bows to my parents and whispers something in their language into the Kings ear.

"Yes do continue with training." The king says to Ryan.

Ryan starts to leave but the king beckons to him to wait.

"Why don't you take Prince Damien to spar as well?" The king smile was evil as he looked to me but as I took a second look he quickly wiped it off his face.

"Yes Damien, why don't you go" my Father retorts. "(show them the power of a Lucent)" he whispers to me patting my shoulder. Suddenly with a new found fire to fight. I follow Ryan to the sparing grounds.