Ileus: The Dark Prince

Haldir was sitting in his study when Theodir walked in and he was surprised to find Ileus there. The men didn't acknowledge his presence, but that was nothing new. He went to sit on the sofa and placed his feet on the cushioned ottoman in front of it. Tilting his head, at first Theodir gazed at the two men and measured them. Dislike and reluctance. That was their prime emotion. Tension found its way into his mind. He didn't know why Ileus was there but it didn't deter him from what he had to say and he was least bothered about interrupting their conversation. He had to say what he wanted to and be done with it. He had to go back to his kingdom with Ruyvn. "I have come here to talk about Ruvyn," Theodir said, coming straight to the point. 

"And I have also come to talk about him," said Ileus. 

Surprise flickered through Theodir, which was instantly replaced by anger. "In what capacity, Ileus?" he asked, ready for a verbal duel or for that matter any other dual. 

Ileus gave him a piercing stare. "In the capacity of Ruvyn's godfather. And Haldir has also made me his legal guardian, which means that if Haldir dies, I will be taking care of the young one, and other than his parents only I am allowed for his upbringing." 

Theodir's chest tightened. When did this development take place? He gave a pointed look to Haldir and let out a ragged breath. He crossed his arms across his chest and then said, "Your claim on Ruvyn is nothing, Ileus. The child belongs to Evindal. He is the property of the elf kingdom. He doesn't belong to his parents either, let alone you. So whatever claims you have on him do not apply in Evindal." 

Ileus picked up a paper from the table and shoved it in Theodir's face. "Read it!" he said pointing at it. "You are standing in the soil of Draoidh, not Evindal. That paper is the legal paper of my kingdom and it says that Ruvyn will not step out of this place until he is eighteen. Only after he is an adult, and if he chooses to, can he go anywhere he likes. We won't stop him, but till he is in Draoidh, I will not let you take him from the kingdom of Draoidh!" 

"Ileus!" Theodir stomped his feet down and roared. "Don't forget that if need be, I can erase the entire Lore in mere a day! Do not underestimate my powers and do not underestimate my determination." 

Ileus' hand went to the hilt of his sword in reflex. A muscle feathered in his jaw and his hand curled around the hilt in pure rage. Smoke started peeling off him in thin tendrils. "And if that day comes, I will be ready for you, Theodir. After all, you have also taught me the art of war." 

Theodir grabbed the armrest so tightly till his knuckles were white. "With the way you are going, that day will soon come. And guess what—I will end all of you and take Ruvyn with me. That child is the heir of the royal clan of Evindal, and I will do everything I can to keep our line safe." Theodir was almost mad in rage. "You don't have the slightest idea about my kingdom, so just back off. Hell, my brother doesn't have any idea about it, what can I expect from strangers!" 

"Strangers?" Ileus said in a gravelly voice. "You officiated my wedding! It is you who is a stranger to us at the moment. We are still the same." 

"In this race of royals, other than the throne I am tied to, other than the kingdom I am bound to, I do not see anything else." Theodir turned his gaze to Haldir and said, "Don't test my patience, brother. It won't do any good. I am leaving for Evindal in two days. Be ready." 

Deep and dark fury rose in his chest at his brother's words. Haldir stood up from his chair and in a very low voice that barely contained his anger, he said, "Ruvyn is not going anywhere. You can try all you want." 

Theodir chuckled. "Then I will try it all." Saying that he got up and walked out of the study without giving them as much as a second look. 

Theodir was like a god to the Lore. The elf bloodline came from the gods. Haldir was much younger than him and shared the same bloodline. Ever since Theodir was born, he had never had smooth ways. Things were mostly in his brother's favor, so he learned how to snatch things for himself. The kingdom was above everything for him and so he learned how to snatch things for his kingdom. He was ruthless, but he was ruthless for a reason. 

Haldir looked at his older brother with utter disbelief. What had happened to Theodir? He was the brother for whom he had left Evindal only so there were no more fights within the family. He had sacrificed for Theodir. Staying away from Evindal had been so difficult. Haldir had to stay secretly for hundreds of years before emerging as Adrianna's General of the Army. When he had finally found his happiness, Theodir wanted to snatch that too? He sank back in his chair with his head in his hands. In his heart he knew that he had to give up on Ruvyn in order to save the Lore from Theodir's wrath. But one question bugged him—why hadn't Ilyana conceived with his baby till so far? It was rare to have children amongst elves, but this was very bizarre. She must have had access to the best healers, yet how come the healers were not able to help her with pregnancy? Or was there a problem with Theodir? 

"Don't worry, Haldir," Ileus said, interrupting his thoughts. "I am here for you and I will fight him till I can. We won't let Ruvyn go." 

Haldir could only look up at Ileus and give a weak smile. "There is something that I am not sure of. I am taking a wild guess at it." 

"And what is that?" asked Ileus, narrowing his eyes. 

Haldir took a deep breath. "I need a favor from you or Anastasia." 

Ileus raised his eyebrow. "What kind of favor?" 

--- 

It had been over a week. Aed Ruad hadn't stepped out of his room. He had given instructions to his people to stay in the cave for the entire winter. Now that Siora was already exposed, he didn't want to risk it further. His spy had mentioned that Adrianna didn't know anything about his presence over here. And that was something he had to milk. But now wasn't the time. Let them think that it was Siora and her network of spies who had tried to kill Iona. And so, Aed Ruad had gone into winter hibernation. He was going to strike when needed, or else he was going to spend his life as a vagabond. His mother had plundered enough of Vilinski's gold for him to last for two lifetimes. 

"Galahar…" he whispered.. He still had a chance to be its king as Siora's husband, only if he killed Iona or Rolfe. "But not now… patience…"