Marix rode into Viraaz with his troop behind him. It had been a week since they departed and everyone was happy to return home to their own comfortable beds.

They chit chatted amongst themselves as they untacked and put away their horses in the military stables, talking all about the things they had encountered while on their mission.

"Remember," Marix spoke loud above them as he exited his horse’s stall, "Speak about our findings to no one, not even your wives. That’s an order."

The men all nodded and quieted down.

"So get your gossiping out now while you have each other." He said as he carried his saddle over to the tack room.

Behind him he could hear them start chit chatting again.

He returned to his estate and tossed his dirty cape to one of his maids.

Jinya appeared quickly and curtsied, "You’ve returned. Welcome home."

"Jinya, did any correspondence come for me?"

Her eyes fell to the floor as she slowly shook her head, "No. Nothing."

Marix huffed and ran his fingers through his hair, "I see. Then, prepare a bath for me and then send word to my father that I request an audience."

She nodded and quickly got to work.

A few moments later, Marix sat in his bath, arms resting on its high sides. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes as he let out a sigh, feeling the hot, steaming water envelope him.

’It’s already been a week. I haven’t heard any news from Tryde. Could it be that he doesn’t know how to send letters? No. He should know how to get them back.....’

Thoughts raced by in his head, not allowing him to fully enjoy his relaxing bath.

’Whin...are you doing alright? You must be safe, you must be.....Or maybe Tryde is busy rescuing you.....’

He sank below the water and allowed the water to completely take him over as he cleared his mind.

The following day he stood in the throne room staring up at his father and elder brother.

He filled the two of them in on his findings while checking the border.

"In addition to that we discovered a few footprints that could didn’t trudge too far into the foliage which makes me believe they were probably scouts, and a few illegal bear traps."

The king rubbed his beard, "I bet you they are to try and capture any soldiers that come by rather than bears."

"I agree. I also firmly believe that particular area of the forest is being used as a dumping ground for the Evans Estate."

"Yes.....yes....." He continued to stroke his beard in thought.

Arlon stared at him with his left eyebrow slightly raised.

"Father you can’t really believe that’s true, can you?"

The king cleared his throat, "Why wouldn’t I? Marix has already discovered that Lord Evans is participating in illegal executions. What is he going to do with those bodies? Bury them on his property?"

Marix nodded in agreement as Arlon scoffed.

"I highly doubt a noble of his stature would have a quote on quote ’dumping ground’."

Marix raised his eyebrow and turned his attention towards Arlon, narrowing his eyes.

The King tutted, "And why is that, my boy? I find this piece of information to be very interesting. In fact," he turned his attention towards Marix, "I’d like to send a few people out there to see if they can get any more information about those bodies. Perhaps one of them had some sort of identification."

"It’s possible. I didn’t want to disturb them too much since it wasn’t my mission to investigate cadavers."

Arlon interjected, holding his index finger in the air, commanding their attention.

"I must point out the obvious. Are neither of you in your right minds? Marix has just led a unit to check the border!"

The king furrowed his eyebrows, "Yes, Arlon. That’s how we discovered this information in the first place. Aren’t you paying any attention?"

Arlon rolled his eyes, "My point is, this may be a bad idea. Marix has just been there, so we might not want to return so soon. If they were seen by anyone, it might look suspicious if you appear and are seen again within such a short time frame."

The king scratched his cheek as he listened, "That is true...Marix you did say that boy Mauve saw you....."

Arlon nodded, "Yes, exactly. So what is the next option? Go directly to King Solus? And tell him what exactly? That we had men checking out the border and they discovered what they believe to be is a dumping ground? Then what. Who do we accuse? His right hand man? It’s clear Lord Evans is too tightly in King Solus’ pocket."

The king sighed, "I’m sorry Marix. He raises a good point."

Arlon continued, "It would just cause so much distrust."

"Good on you, Arlon. You’re always considering things from every angle." The king praised with a smile on his face.

Marix, however, was not convinced.

He stood with his weight on one leg, leaning back slightly with his arms crossed and his head cocked to one side.

"Why is it you’re always going against whatever father and I agree on, brother?"

"Now, Marix. Don’t cause a fight with your brother. You’re adults now, I’m tired of this bickering!" Their father scolded.

Marix shook his head, "Father, don’t you find it odd? You and I are almost always on the same page, but Arlon always disagrees. Well, King Solus has no idea what’s going on in his kingdom because Arlon wants to keep everything so secret. We should inform the King of what his citizens are up to or inform the citizens to what their King supports."

"It’s much more complicated than that, Marix. Arlon is taking precautions like a good leader should. I’m quite proud of him."

"And I wonder at what point precautious crosses the line into sabotage?" Marix glared at Arlon.

Arlon scoffed before bursting into laughter.

"Sabotage?!" He placed his hand on his heart, "For what reason would I have to sabotage my own kingdom?! I’m the crown prince, next in line for the throne! I think it is you who is trying to sabotage. Are you jealous you got stuck with being a General instead of the next King, brother?"

"Me? I risk my life to keep this kingdom safe every time I lead that army somewhere. Meanwhile you sit cushy on your throne doing what? Have you figured out the relief funds yet, Arlon?"

The king held both of his hands up in either of their directions.

"Now listen here! Both of you stop! During these trying times we need to stand together united, NOT attacking each other from within with these useless accusations of sabotage! Each of you is doing your best in your own way. Those ways are different and that’s alright, you each bring valid points to the table."

Arlon sat smugly in his seat and crossed his legs, "Of course, I am much more cautious. I think things over carefully from different angles in order to come to the best decision possible for my kingdom. That’s why I was chosen to be the crown prince."

Marix clenched his fist, "Do you think I also do not carefully think over things? If I was so hasty, I can assure you, the death count for this army would be much higher."

"ENOUGH! You are both perfect for the roles I have given to you. End of discussion. Marix, thank you for all you have done, you are dismissed. I will call upon you again if needed. We will wait before trying to find out more information on the bodies. Arlon, thank you for your thoughtful input."

With that, he stood and walked out of the room, leaving Marix and Arlon alone a moment to glare at each other before turning and heading their separate ways as well.

"Tryde~! Tryde~!" One of the maids raised her arm in the air and waved it. A letter was held in between her index and middle finger, "You’ve got a letter! Who is it from?"

Tryde raised his eyebrow and took the letter from her and looked at the return address. It was from Marlene with the return address Ametheria Farm in Greia.

He smiled, "It’s from my mother. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go read this privately."

"Awwwwww! His mom sent him a letter already! He must be such a great son that she’s missing him so much!" The girls all cooed as Tryde retreated to his sleeping quarters to read the letter:

"Tryde,

I’ve not heard anything from you since the day you left to begin work there. I expected to receive a letter from you by now to hear that you arrived safely. You haven’t forgotten how to send a letter have you? Don’t keep me waiting, it’s hard enough for me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Your Mother, Marlene"

A shiver ran up his spine, ’Something about General Marix signing this as my mother makes me feel ill-’

He looked around for a piece of paper to write down his response.