Chapter 3-1

Chapter 3 – 6 years ago, part 3

It was very dark outside the palace. Sounds drifted around of people talking, but the hustle and bustle of peasants going around their business was not there. The guards at the main gate were about to put the drawbridge up for the night. It was about midnight, and everyone else was sleeping. Everyone except the Duke.

Duke Alfred was an older man. He was nearing 90 years old, but still was able to move around like a man of 50. Right then he was up in his room, pacing from one end to another, deep in thought. He hadn't been sleeping well in the past few months, so when he couldn't sleep he wouldn't even try. Usually he just thought. He didn't have an heir, so when he died someone else would be chosen to be Duke, as he was much too old to produce one now.

He liked to go around and see people, seeing if they could handle dukedom. He hadn't found anyone who handled power wisely enough, so he was still stuck. He couldn't let himself die till he finds who would be his heir.

A timid rap sounded on the door. The duke turned and strode over. “Who is it?” he asked through the door.

“Sire, open the door.” The voiced statement wasn't a question, but a command.

“You have news then, X?” asked the Duke, opening up one side of the wooden double doors.

“More than news,” said the figure outside, stepping in.