As Pavo walked back he found Arden waiting for him.

'Do you wish to discuss something more sire?'

'We should be looking into hustling the men, and prior to that 

consort with the Anmarians.'

'I am headed that way right now sire.'

'I would like to be involved as well,' Arden added, and they both 

walked towards the other wing.

Sela entered Theo's chamber.

'I ordered you to let me be!' Theo's stern voice echoed to mark 

that Sela was not welcome, but as he looked up, he found Pavo and 

Arden there as well. He got up from his chair, setting his drink down 

dazed as Dena bowed to Arden.

'We are here to deliberate the plans on defending Deladra sire,' 

Pavo clarified.

Theo gestured for them to come in and Arden took a seat along 

with Theo. He hated being in Theo's presence, but he told himself it 

was not for long and kept calm. Pavo deliberated on what was agreed 

to be done as each one of them listened without a word.

 

Once done, Theo looked at Pavo,

'I was kept in the dark about many things. But I have given my 

word to protect Deladra, hence Sela will do what is requested. I do 

not need the specifics,' he assured.

Pavo bowed and turned to Sela when,

'And you were furious that you were uninformed about the 

situation, prince Theoden!' Arden commented with a crooked smile 

as he stood up 'I wouldn't blame them.'

'This doesn't concern you' Theo swiftly came back.

'Maybe not, but I am not the kind of prince who would ignore 

my duties and laze about acting high and mighty in times like this'

As the tension grew between them, Pavo tried to interfere 

'Young sires, kindly...!'

'You do not know me prince Arden and have no right to judge....'

'Oh, I do and have seen quite enough! If you are not the kind, 

why don't you join us, ....... no, join me to prove that you know how a 

prince should act?' Arden challenged and no one spoke for a 

moment. 'Knew it!' Arden shook his head smiling, 'Shall we, Pavo.' 

he turned around and started walking away.

'I will go!' Theo's voice echoed and Arden turned back

'But sire….' 

Theo raised his hand and stopped Dena before he could finish.

'You can accompany Sela and Pavo if you are anxious about it. 

You will still be doing something for a change, great prince 

Theoden of Anmara!' Arden scoffed.

'Do not misunderstand Dena's concern,' Theo stood up. 'I will 

be joining you, prince Arden!'

 

Dena tried to say something, but Theo didn't give him a chance,

 

'When do we leave?' 

But before anyone could answer he continued, 

'Whenever it is, make your arrangements. We will be ready.'

 

Arden smiled and looked at Pavo and Sela who were still in 

shock by the turn of events.

'It might not be safe and without Sela, we might get into trouble,' 

Dena spoke in a low voice once they left.

 

'If the fyredari show up!' Theo paused, 'You heard Pavo. I am 

sure it will be Beiva. You have witnessed how Arden dared to speak to 

me. I will prove him wrong and crush his pride. 

One night should suffice for that, we shall return the next dawn. On the other hand, our 

forces will rid Deladra of those beasts. I will be the one to have the last 

laugh while they all look up to me for saving their petty kingdom.

What will prince Arden have to say then? He will bow to me when I 

ascend the throne after my father.'

'Sela will not agree to this' Dena interjected

'I will order him to. He has done enough to offend me anyway, 

he will obey me now. This is his chance to redeem himself, let him 

travel to Beiva with the others. We can manage this for one day 

without him'

 

'What if I went to Beiva and Sela came with you?'

 

'Dena! Not another word out of you. I will not have Arden 

assuming that I am fearful of stepping outside without Sela. I will 

make sure he agrees.' Theo was determined, he would not listen to 

anyone when his pride was at stake.

 

'Do you take me for a kid, Arden? Are you trying to scare me off to find a 

to happen in one night,' Theo assured himself.

Preparations in place, the men were all set to leave for the coasts 

early before daybreak. Sela was quite disappointed and in conflict 

with himself for letting things get out of hand, but there wasn't 

anything he could have done that would have appeased Theo nor 

changed his decision. 

He had to leave the side of the prince for a 

while with the only concession that his brother, who he trusted over 

anyone in the world will be taking on his reins.

 

'Prince Theoden must be safe, whatever the cost. It is your 

burden now. I will not be there to instruct on what should be done 

when…. and...............'

'I will look after everything brother, you have repeated it 

countless times since this was decided.' Dena looked back at his 

brother restless after roping up the last sack. 

Sela walked towards Dena and peered straight into his eyes.

 

'King Durian has entrusted us with this task. He wouldn't have 

agreed for the prince's journey to Deladra, especially in these times if

not for us. Moreover, it is our duty as his mates to not let him down, 

which I have done unknowingly. If only I could convey my regrets to 

him as easy as to you…but he listens to you, so....,' he stressed.

'I am getting tired of it. Why don't you go with prince Theoden 

instead, if you don't trust your own brother to do a good job?' Dena 

let out his frustration at last. 

He wasn't happy with this situation 

where they had to part from Sela when they knew danger might be 

lurking at Gini, it was unsettling.

'I have faith in you little brother, and I cherish you above all, 

which is why I am doing this,' Sela embraced his brother tighter than 

ever. 'Be wary out there and greet you back soon.'

 

'Be assured brother, I give you my word, just a few days, it will be 

as though we were never apart.' Dena smiled

'I know brother.' Sela patted and caressed him on the back gently 

before letting go. Though he never expressed it, Sela was extremely 

fond of Dena and adored him more than himself.

'We can only wish that this will be the last time sire,' Pavo sighed.

'This evidently signifies the dawn of a strong bond between 

Deladra and Anmara. I can see the princes have made up their minds 

to accompany each other and hope their differences disappear 

through time Pavo. I am relieved that Arden is turning a new leaf.' 

king Aiden sounded relieved.

Pavo had the urge to disclose the reality where the situation 

arose, but he didn't want to depress the king, and who is to say that 

this wouldn't bring them together? So, he remained silent pretending 

a faint smile. As they approached the gateway they ran into Arden.

'This is not the first and might not be the last son! But remember 

that my heart yearns for your return and keep the good company.'

 

Aiden embraced his son dearly as Arden rolled his eyes.

'It takes two hands to shake father. I am making an effort as you 

can see, we might stumble on something that would help us both see 

the truth….and here they are,' Arden smiled at Theo, Dena, and Sela 

walking towards them rather sober. 

Sela and Dena bowed to the king and Arden while Pavo did the same for Theo.

'Deladra is grateful for this honour prince Theoden' Aiden 

greeted.

'Our pleasure king Aiden, should we….' Theo turned to 

thousands of men aboard their steeds waiting for orders while the 

rising sun shone on the flags of Anmara, Deladra and the Alliance 

held up. They swiftly boarded their stallions and rode to the front.

'May your journeys be blessed!' king Aiden wished, and the men 

raised their hands to bid farewell.