When he reached the entrance to the castle, he waited a few minutes. And eventually, the man arrived, the same man that had stood so firm next to his father. The man, Eon Stronghold, was Evan’s only full brother. Eon was a bit taller than Evan, standing at about five feet and five inches in height, but his face was square jawed when compared to Evan’s sharp chin. Overall, he was a taller, stronger and handsomer version of Evan which at a time made Evan hate him but eventually he grew to love his only brother, after one too many visits from him.

            “Well, that was something, wasn’t it?” Eon began, with a small chuckle.

            “Sorry. I didn’t think I’d cause such a commotion.” Evan replied modestly, his hand rubbing the back of his head.

            “How’s mother?” Eon asked.

            “She’s well, strong as ever in fact. I’m sure right now she’s probably helping the villagers fend off the beasts.”

            “The beasts?” inquired Eon, his expression growing ever more concerned.

            “Lately there’s been more and more demons attacking.” Evan replied.

            “Well, I’m sure even villagers could handle a few goblins.” Eon comforted with a small smile.

            “It isn’t just goblins. They were ogres too, and last night I fought a hell wolf.”

            “A hell wolf? Aren’t those native to the Hell Realm? How could they be here?” Eon shot question after question at Evan, though he did not expect to have them all answered when he read his brother’s face.

            “I don’t know.” Evan said grimly as he begun to walk down the castle corridor, to the throne room. Eon followed.

            Eventually the two brothers reached the throne room of the King. There the King, Roy Regalia, sat in his throne. He was talking to someone, a tall, silver hair man armed in shiny armor with a sword sheathed by his side. As soon as Evan entered the room, the King’s eyes lit up. “Evan! Is that you?” asked the King, seemingly overjoyed.

            The King, also Evan’s grandfather, was a kindred spirit. He was tall, (a trait Evan wished he had inherited) handsome, had long, brown (now greyish) hair which stopped at his shoulders, and most of all or rather worst of all, he kept a ruff but well groomed beard that would give him the appearance of a homeless man had it not been for his royal attires and the crown seated upon his head.

            “Sire.” Evan replied with a bow.

            “My boy, how you’ve-” the King had begun to compliment Evan’s growth, a common saying when a grandparent sees his grandchild, but he stopped after realizing that Evan had not grown a single inch since he had last seen him three years ago at Lillian’s, his second daughter, wedding. “changed.” The King saved himself from insulting his grandson.

            “Well, if you say so. But if ask me, I haven’t changed a bit since Aunt Lila’s wedding.” Replied Evan, who read the King’s face realizing immediately what he had planned to say before he chose to swap the word for another. Still, he appreciated his grandfather’s gesture to not hurt his already crippled self-esteem.

            “So what brings you here, my boy?” the King asked.

            “Demons are attacking the villages relentlessly. They need assistance.” Evan replied.

            “I see. You need not worry, I was just now discussing the very matter with Sebastian, the captain of the guards. We’ve made arrangements to send parties of men to secure the outlying villages, Rustal included.”

            Rustal, the name of Evan’s village, where for the most part he grew up. Evan was relieved that the King was already aware of the monsters’ rampage. But one thing bothered him, so he asked “No Gifted?”

            The King replied “I’m afraid not my boy. Most of the Gifted prefer to stay here in the capital. The ones who are willing to go are already elsewhere. Others simply are forbidden to leave by their guardians,” the King gestured to Eon, who had desperately tried to convince his father that he should assist the soldiers in fighting the beasts but was dismissed on the mere fact that Lord Stronghold found it unnecessary to waste Eon’s strength on commoners.

            “So they’ve grown complacent. It seems many have forgotten the purpose of the powers they are so proud of.” Evan stated blatantly, not caring if he insulted any.

            “It is not so my boy. While some do prefer an easier life, most of the Gifted remain here for fear of the capital falling. Even here, we are under attack.” The King tried to defend his companions, which was true with the exception of a few, sadly Lord Stronghold was amongst those few.

            “Whatever, as long as the villagers are safe.” Evan replied.

            “That aside,” begun the King “How is my daughter?” asked the King.

            “Mother is fine, as always.” Replied Evan.

            “I see. That’s good to hear.” Commented the King. “And what of you? Will you stay for the night?”

            “I don’t suppose my father will like that idea.” Evan stated.

            “Well, I didn’t say he would have to know. Now did I?” the King replied, raising an eyebrow as he smiled. There was silence for a moment. And then they’re was laugher between Evan and his grandfather. “Come here my boy. Let me give you a hug.” the King said as he got up from his throne and opened his arms wide.

            Evan was quick to leap into the arms of his grandfather. As he had remembered, the King’s robe was as warm as a mama bear’s fur. It was nice, Evan wished it could be like this more. But his father thought him nothing but an illegitimate child born from his mother being unfaithful. Because of this, the Lord Stronghold demanded that Evan and his mother leave the castle. Hoping not to anger a family leader, the King submitted and sent his third daughter away to live in Rustal.

            The King released Evan after about a minute had passed. “Well now, I’ll let you settle in. I’m sure you must be tired from your journey here.” The King then gestured for a nearby maid to take Evan to his room. Evan was lead to the left wing of the castle, his room was an enormous bedroom, furnished and well decorated with red carpet and banners. The maid then bowed and left. Eon had already returned to father, and it was getting quite late now. The sun had by now already set. So Evan lunged forward to the bed in front of him and closed his eyes, departing his consciousness for the night until the sun rises tomorrow.