Lestan went through corridor and decided to visit the palace library. He didn't meet anyone on the way there, what was strange to him. Nevertheless it was preferable for him to not be bothered at the moment. He needed to calm down and decide what would be his next step. First he needed to learn as much as possible about the Sands of Time.

He entered to the chamber. It wasn't too big for a library. His own in Karasian palace was two times bigger and it was the smaller one from two there. He sighed and looked around. It would be too big to search at this moment though.

"Quaerere, Sands of Time." He said calmly.

Then he looked around again and noticed that one of the books was glowing. He walked to it and with time glowing was dimming. He approached the bookshelf beneath it. He would need a ladder to reach it, so he looked around to find it. Unfortunately there weren't any.

He sighed and jumped upward to grab a shelf. Then he started to climb reaching for the next ledges. It didn't take him too long to reach the book he was looking for. He grabbed it and jumped down on the floor. At the same time the doors opened and Jarred came inside.

"Lestan," he called with concern.

"Jarred, how did you know I was here?" Prince asked surprised.

Jarred sighed, "I know you the best after all. I heard what happened; your father isn't pleased with it."

"That's his problem; let's go back to our chambers." Lestan said and left the library.

Jarred accompanied him in the way without saying a word. On the way to their chambers they didn't meet anyone either. Lestan could see that he was worried by this. Outside the chamber two Karasian guards were guarding it.

"Welcome back, Your Highness." Guards said and opened doors to his chambers.

"Don't let anyone to disturb us." Prince ordered.

"As you wish, My Prince," They saluted.

They entered the chamber and guards closed doors behind them.

"Lock the doors." Lestan said and Jarred took out from his pocket a big key and locked doors with it.

Lestan sat down at the small table.

"So what is that book?" Jarred asked him.

"It contains some information about the Sands of Time. I need to know more before I'll decide what to do." Lestan explained.

"You don't intend to stay awake for the whole night?" Jarred was worried.

"Ido." Prince answered.

"It's not healthy," Jarred sighed.

"I know what I'm doing." Lestan stated.

"Usually yes, but this time I think you're over your head." Jarred nervously exclaimed.

Lestan glared him and raised his eyebrow. Jarred looked worried for a moment that he could offend the prince. Lestan sighed. He never could be offended by his best friend. He shook his head.

"Jarred, we...I need to do something with this. I'm the only one who care and can-" He suddenly stopped as a thought came to his head. "Rohan, send him a message to come here as quickly as possible and don't forget to mention about the Sands of Time."

"That's not a bad idea." Jarred agreed and left to another room.

Lestan started to read the book. There was information about time artifacts. The amulet, the dagger and the staff along with the hourglass were listed. Apparently the amulet and the dagger were keys to open the hourglass, while the staff was to control the sands. This book explained what could be done with those artifacts. They could store a great amount of magic energy and allowed to use special time abilities. The description of it was vague though, but Lestan still was able to learn a lot.

Somewhere in the middle he heard a commotion outside.

"But Your Majesty, Prince clearly stated that he didn't want to be disturbed." Guard said nervously out loud. Soldier was assigned to Lestan's regiment from the very beginning of his service. It was only to be expected that he'll be loyal.

"I'm your King." Araman yelled.

"Yes Your Majesty." Guard answered. That didn't last long; he was the king after all. Lestan heard sound of unlocking and doors were opened.

"Lestan," King shouted.

Lestan looked above the book he was reading with a raised eyebrow. Doors were closed behind him.

"How can I help you, Your Majesty?" Prince was sarcastic.

"Don't mock me my son. What was that behavior?" Araman asked angrily approaching the table, at which Lestan sat.

Lestan sighed. "It's appropriate that you're upset, but unfortunately for a wrong reason, Father." Prince stated.

"What is that nonsense?" King shouted.

Lestan closed the book and bashed the table with it. Araman's eyes widened. "The only nonsense is your fake proud of me, Father." Lestan showed then his anger.

"That's not-" Araman started interrupted by Lestan's rage.

"You never listen to me, whatever is it about me or about my concerns. You don't care about me; the only thing you care about is your kingdom. My successes are valuable for the kingdom and that's what you are pride of. The only thing you want from me is to be useful for you." Lestan shouted. "When I defy you, I'm useless to you." That part he said quieter.

Araman looked at him shocked. Lestan sighed.

"I won't apologize to His Majesty. I was right to be angry. Listen, I don't care that you both don't believe me, but I won't just relax and wait for them to act." Lestan explain.

"It's not how I raised you-" Araman started to be again distracted.

"Yes, you didn't and that's what I'm talking about, but you still don't understand. I'm not you or your demesne. I am myself, an independent person, who thinks for himself. I won't ever be like you, I won't do what you expect from me, I will only do what I feel is right." Lestan exclaimed uninterrupted.

Araman looked at him narrowly. He apparently was thinking heavily at that moment.

"You don't realize how big diplomatic scandal you're-" Araman was interrupted again.

"No, you don't realize how dangerous the sands of time are. How dangerous are those plots of two the most trusted of the king." Lestan continued.

"You don't realize in what position you're putting me in front of Serry. We're like brothers and now-" Araman started angrily to be interrupted again.

"NO! Only you, you and you again, you don't care about me at all. I think our conversation is meaningless at the moment. Until you understand what I am talking about you should just stay at Serry's side. If something would happen to him then new war could start." Lestan explained.

Araman widened his eyes and sighed after a moment. He apparently didn't posses proper counterarguments for what was said. It seemed that he understood at least the last part.

"Now excuse me, Your Majesty. I need to rest right now." Lestan stated.

Lestan took book from the table and turned around. He stood for a moment and walked to another room containing a large bed. He looked behind him to see how his father was leaving the chambers. A moment after came Jarred to him.

"I've sent the message Lestan." Jarred sighed. "I also heard your conversation."

Lestan sighed. "We need to stay here for the night and proceed at dawn."

*****************************************************************

Lestan prepared his jacket and belt with sword.

"What are you doing?" Ask Jarred with sleepy voice.

"I am arming myself, as you can see." Prince replied.

Jarred sighed. "It's not a good idea to walk around in a palace fully armed Lestan. Remember that we're guests here and not very appreciated at the moment."

This time Lestan sighed. "You're right like always Jarred, but what am I suppose to do?"

"You're dangerous even without this, Lestan." Jarred stated.

Lestan shook his head and sighed deeply. "Very well, I'll go unarmed, but I havea very bad feeling about this."

"Good luck, my friend." Jarred said.

Lestan left his chambers. Guards like always saluted him and he went to main palace corridor. Like day earlier he didn't meet any guard on his way. He knew that something was wrong and the best way to learn more was to question the traitors.

"Quaerere Vizier." Lestan said and a dim light appeared and floated through corridors. Prince quickly rushed after it and reached a chamber full of men.

"So the coup is ready, Garsiva?" Vizier asked.

"Yes, soldiers are preparing-" Garsiva was interrupted by a noise. "Who's there?"

Lestan was hiding behind a column and accidentally kicked a piece of metal that was lying on the floor. At this moment when he was discovered there was no reason to hide anymore. He walked from column with straight posture.

"Ah, Prince Lestan, welcome." Vizier greeted him.

"Grand Vizier Irozo, Admiral Garsiva." Lestan said.

"What a courtesy, Young Prince, in contrast to master thief Asoke." Vizier chuckled.

"So you tricked Asoke to release the Sands of Time and now you're making a coup? You do realize how cliché that is." Lestan responded sarcastically.

Irozo chuckled again. "Unfortunately you won't be around to see how it'll end."

Vizier raised his staff and a wind blew in Lestan's direction.

"Tutela," Lastan spoke. He glowed with blue energy and wind didn't faze him.

"Oh I see you know your magic, the most interesting." Vizier chuckled. "Take care of him, Garsiva."

"With pleasure, Irozo," Garsiva replied.

Vizier left the chamber and soldiers surrounded him. Each of them was armed with a sword and wore armor. Lestan in the other hand was in his elegant shirt and didn't have any kind of weapon with him.

Who's brilliant idea was to walk around unarmed?