ACT VI
THE AGE OF UNDEAD
Hans saw what these people wanted to hear at all costs, so he just gave them to see their reactions, “Yeah, I ordered a hit on that Kerym or whatever. And Xandor followed the order like a loyal dog. what can you do about it?” Hans paused looking their confused faces and added, “That’s what you wanna hear so I’ll just say I did, satisfied?”
”You just confessed?” Eleanor commented, “You lay a hand on a shadow member do you think I’ll end that lightly?”
“Ha, this moron.” Hans rebuked startling everyone, he was blatantly calling the second-ranked knight a moron. If they were not impressed by him till now, they knew Hans carried some balls. But this was not over, before Eleanor could argue, Hans asked Arat, “Mr Pm. You people killed a lot of council members in the war, seating these jokes on the throne, didn’t you?
“Yes” Arat responded, this was one of the rare occasions that he was startled and it was showing on his never-changing face.
“Shall we take the other side for a change?” Hans offered, “I heard the Clandor will be up in flames again. You should help the council this time.”
“What kind of bullshit is this? Our Country is as stable as it can get.” Eleanor denied the ruse.
“Oh, I didn’t think you were that incompetent to not know what is happening in your own country, my apologies.” Hans tilted his head, mocking the king and once again turned to Arat.He explained, his direction towards the powerhouses observing him, “Soon, there will be a civil war in Clandor,” He menacingly turned his gaze at Eleanor, continuing, “And making me say this. You just expedited the war, O wise king.”
Hans pointed to the audience and continued talking to Eleanor. “In that room, people will start to verify my words and weigh their options. Some might support you, some will oppose, but as the words spread both(council and royal) of your powers will start to increase. The balance of the stalemate your country will crumble.”
Hans sneered, “So if you don’t want to be more incompetent. Increase your forces and leave me be unless you wanna lose that throne of yours.” Hans paused staring at Eleanor with some smouldering intensity, “I'm not sitting at Parvian throne, don't push me to do it. You don’t have time to accuse innocent people.”
Hans smirked, and whispered, as silent as the nan in the sleeping baby, “I told you didn’t I, I’m not like my father. You see, unlike him, there is no need for me to level up and overpower my enemies. I’ve many ways to kill someone far stronger than myself. You saw it yourself, didn’t you?”
Hans moved back and with a business smile, he said, “I’m innocent, If you want to implicate me, bring me some solid evidence. If you keep this up, you’ll only add motivation for me to take revenge for my father’s death. Your civil war feels like the perfect opportunity, so don’t provoke me.” He pushed his chair back and it fell, “I’m done here.” He declared, “Open the doors before I blast it off.”
“We were pushing our luck Reina, and it came back to bite us.” Eleanor whispered to his bead
“We don’t have many options.”
“Yeah, but was I talking to a kid here? At least his father never brought threats in the negotiation, only reasons.”
“Mhm..”
The conversation through his ear bead ended and Eleanor began to think what the next course of action would be. The news of war would’ve eventually came out, but it should have not this early. What Hans said was correct, he did not have much time to waste in Grimgar. On the other hand, Arat was humming like a child exiting with Hans. “Are you that happy?” Hans asked the old man.
“Of course I am. It's always fun to see someone walking over elves.”
“I expected some challenge but m…”
“It was because they could’ve never been able to charge you. And they knew, but what Winter’s daughter said while answering threw them back. I guess they were wagering her to fall into the trap and asking something from Aredhel or from us. However, if what you've said about war is correct. Then it fits perfectly. The wealth of Winter’s company and our weaponry. They would’ve overpowered the other side.”
“So I didn’t weasel out because I outsmarted them—”
“Yes, but you sure fan the flames of a war.” Arat paused, and scanning the environment he asked Hans, “Dijkstra told me what happened—”
“Yeah, I tried using Xandor and it backfired me. Now everyone there at least doubts me that I killed that elf.”
“Yet they can’t act on it. Don’t worry.”
“Wow, was it that easy to get away with a murder? I might get corrupte—”
“No its not. It's just there is no justification why Xandor would follow you when he does not think of you as the prince. if that was the case, they would never be able to find the body. This reasoning is what gives you a benefit of doubt. They never wanted you for the killing, they wanted you for negotiation?”
Arat continued as Hans dumbfounded stared at him. “You have a sharp mind. Prince. But it's not sharper than the one who came up with that idea in just a nick of time. Be very aware of Reina. She is the mastermind behind Clandor and the reason why her family still holds power.”
“So why didn’t you tell me?” Hans complained. “I was nervous like they would throw me in jail or something.”
“What these youngsters say these days..” Arat thought out loud, “Ah.. yes, I wanted to help you and get some brownie points.”
“Brownie points, look at his shameless fox,” Hans ignored him, adding, “I told you there was no need for you to show up.”
“Yes, it was not.” Arat affirmed, nodding, “Come to think of it. You used your status as the prince—
“No, I did not!” Hans firmly denied, “I never said I was a prince and flaunted any status. I bluffed and they all believed it themselves, it was not my fault for their delusions.I’m Samson’s Parv son, but not the prince, by what right I should use Parvian power?”
“You’ll soon. You are irresistible.” Arat smirked.
“That’s kinda creepy old man, wipe your drool at least.”
However, there was one thing that still confused Arat, “ How did you come up with the story with her? I’m also sure that you never discussed it with her?”
“Oh, that!” Hans chuckled, and explained, “She is the smartest person I know and frankly it’s quite disturbing to know that she knows my thoughts that well.”
“Stay away from women, I always said that to your father. And I’m saying that to you, especially a beauty with a brain, they are horrendous creatures you won’t even realise when you get played.”
“Fine, fine, don’t nag me, Mr. PM. I just avoided becoming bait. Spare me some, will yeah.”
“Okay, just be careful.” Arat stated, but there was still one question in his arsenal, “So how sure is your intel?”
“About what?”
“Civil War.”
“100%”
“Your source?”
“A concerned father. Why do you ask?”
“I don’t want to sound like a warmonger, but war is a profitable business especially if your enemies are infighting.”
“Hmmm…”
“You don’t get it, little prince. We were no match for clandor without our sunstone weapons. Yet we overwhelmed Clandor. Why do you think it happened?” Arat asked, prompting Hans to shake in his head so he explained, “It was not because we were stronger. It was because unlike us, our enemies were not united.”
“Why?” Hans inquired.
“Clandor is a land of talent. Where many young minds get buried like your junior Vanir. I don’t wanna admit but Elf is the race that is far superior and perfect. Yet that very trait is binding them.”
“Don’t talk in riddles, my mind is out of juice after this.”
“Fine, little prince.” Arat simplified, “When everyone is so perfect in everything, their pride clashes, they are all born leaders so who will follow them? One can never admit they are inferior to others, that is why that race can never be united. If that wasn't the case, whole Genas would be under the Clandorian flag.”
“So the infighting will dwindle their strength but if you take the council side, then they will be the ones bringing their might to your doors. Don’t they?”
“Oh, you are still a kid.” Arat mused, “Who says we have to pick sides? We will be just an open store. Selling our state-of-the-art weapons to whoever losing”
“You are one wicked old fox.”
“I will not hold any candle to you when you come to my age. I’m sure of that. You expedited that war with just your words young one.”
“Hmm… they should at least learn to not disturb me. I was really going to enjoy these two days.”
Both were speaking and walking towards the exit and then, they heard sudden interjection. “So are you clear to go or do they want to hold you longer”. Delimira asked leaning to the wall.
“As if,” Hans was never this happy to see Delimira and his happiness was visible on his face. She then greeted Arat, but Hans stole her away by the hands. “Hey, where are we going?” She asked.
“To meet that six-seven cups of cocoa” Hans answered.
“So you were listening.” Deliminra paused for a moment and, grinning, she spoke, “Then how about the begging part, are you gonna do that too?”
“As if Winters.” Hans said laughing while Arat from the behind shouted, "Remember they are horrendous creatures." But just like his father, Arat's words fell on deaf ears.
ACT VI
THE AGE OF UNDEAD
Hans saw what these people wanted to hear at all costs, so he just gave them to see their reactions, “Yeah, I ordered a hit on that Kerym or whatever. And Xandor followed the order like a loyal dog. what can you do about it?” Hans paused looking their confused faces and added, “That’s what you wanna hear so I’ll just say I did, satisfied?”
”You just confessed?” Eleanor commented, “You lay a hand on a shadow member do you think I’ll end that lightly?”
“Ha, this moron.” Hans rebuked startling everyone, he was blatantly calling the second-ranked knight a moron. If they were not impressed by him till now, they knew Hans carried some balls. But this was not over, before Eleanor could argue, Hans asked Arat, “Mr Pm. You people killed a lot of council members in the war, seating these jokes on the throne, didn’t you?
“Yes” Arat responded, this was one of the rare occasions that he was startled and it was showing on his never-changing face.
“Shall we take the other side for a change?” Hans offered, “I heard the Clandor will be up in flames again. You should help the council this time.”
“What kind of bullshit is this? Our Country is as stable as it can get.” Eleanor denied the ruse.
“Oh, I didn’t think you were that incompetent to not know what is happening in your own country, my apologies.” Hans tilted his head, mocking the king and once again turned to Arat.He explained, his direction towards the powerhouses observing him, “Soon, there will be a civil war in Clandor,” He menacingly turned his gaze at Eleanor, continuing, “And making me say this. You just expedited the war, O wise king.”
Hans pointed to the audience and continued talking to Eleanor. “In that room, people will start to verify my words and weigh their options. Some might support you, some will oppose, but as the words spread both(council and royal) of your powers will start to increase. The balance of the stalemate your country will crumble.”
Hans sneered, “So if you don’t want to be more incompetent. Increase your forces and leave me be unless you wanna lose that throne of yours.” Hans paused staring at Eleanor with some smouldering intensity, “I'm not sitting at Parvian throne, don't push me to do it. You don’t have time to accuse innocent people.”
Hans smirked, and whispered, as silent as the nan in the sleeping baby, “I told you didn’t I, I’m not like my father. You see, unlike him, there is no need for me to level up and overpower my enemies. I’ve many ways to kill someone far stronger than myself. You saw it yourself, didn’t you?”
Hans moved back and with a business smile, he said, “I’m innocent, If you want to implicate me, bring me some solid evidence. If you keep this up, you’ll only add motivation for me to take revenge for my father’s death. Your civil war feels like the perfect opportunity, so don’t provoke me.” He pushed his chair back and it fell, “I’m done here.” He declared, “Open the doors before I blast it off.”
“We were pushing our luck Reina, and it came back to bite us.” Eleanor whispered to his bead
“We don’t have many options.”
“Yeah, but was I talking to a kid here? At least his father never brought threats in the negotiation, only reasons.”
“Mhm..”
The conversation through his ear bead ended and Eleanor began to think what the next course of action would be. The news of war would’ve eventually came out, but it should have not this early. What Hans said was correct, he did not have much time to waste in Grimgar. On the other hand, Arat was humming like a child exiting with Hans. “Are you that happy?” Hans asked the old man.
“Of course I am. It's always fun to see someone walking over elves.”
“I expected some challenge but m…”
“It was because they could’ve never been able to charge you. And they knew, but what Winter’s daughter said while answering threw them back. I guess they were wagering her to fall into the trap and asking something from Aredhel or from us. However, if what you've said about war is correct. Then it fits perfectly. The wealth of Winter’s company and our weaponry. They would’ve overpowered the other side.”
“So I didn’t weasel out because I outsmarted them—”
“Yes, but you sure fan the flames of a war.” Arat paused, and scanning the environment he asked Hans, “Dijkstra told me what happened—”
“Yeah, I tried using Xandor and it backfired me. Now everyone there at least doubts me that I killed that elf.”
“Yet they can’t act on it. Don’t worry.”
“Wow, was it that easy to get away with a murder? I might get corrupte—”
“No its not. It's just there is no justification why Xandor would follow you when he does not think of you as the prince. if that was the case, they would never be able to find the body. This reasoning is what gives you a benefit of doubt. They never wanted you for the killing, they wanted you for negotiation?”
Arat continued as Hans dumbfounded stared at him. “You have a sharp mind. Prince. But it's not sharper than the one who came up with that idea in just a nick of time. Be very aware of Reina. She is the mastermind behind Clandor and the reason why her family still holds power.”
“So why didn’t you tell me?” Hans complained. “I was nervous like they would throw me in jail or something.”
“What these youngsters say these days..” Arat thought out loud, “Ah.. yes, I wanted to help you and get some brownie points.”
“Brownie points, look at his shameless fox,” Hans ignored him, adding, “I told you there was no need for you to show up.”
“Yes, it was not.” Arat affirmed, nodding, “Come to think of it. You used your status as the prince—
“No, I did not!” Hans firmly denied, “I never said I was a prince and flaunted any status. I bluffed and they all believed it themselves, it was not my fault for their delusions.I’m Samson’s Parv son, but not the prince, by what right I should use Parvian power?”
“You’ll soon. You are irresistible.” Arat smirked.
“That’s kinda creepy old man, wipe your drool at least.”
However, there was one thing that still confused Arat, “ How did you come up with the story with her? I’m also sure that you never discussed it with her?”
“Oh, that!” Hans chuckled, and explained, “She is the smartest person I know and frankly it’s quite disturbing to know that she knows my thoughts that well.”
“Stay away from women, I always said that to your father. And I’m saying that to you, especially a beauty with a brain, they are horrendous creatures you won’t even realise when you get played.”
“Fine, fine, don’t nag me, Mr. PM. I just avoided becoming bait. Spare me some, will yeah.”
“Okay, just be careful.” Arat stated, but there was still one question in his arsenal, “So how sure is your intel?”
“About what?”
“Civil War.”
“100%”
“Your source?”
“A concerned father. Why do you ask?”
“I don’t want to sound like a warmonger, but war is a profitable business especially if your enemies are infighting.”
“Hmmm…”
“You don’t get it, little prince. We were no match for clandor without our sunstone weapons. Yet we overwhelmed Clandor. Why do you think it happened?” Arat asked, prompting Hans to shake in his head so he explained, “It was not because we were stronger. It was because unlike us, our enemies were not united.”
“Why?” Hans inquired.
“Clandor is a land of talent. Where many young minds get buried like your junior Vanir. I don’t wanna admit but Elf is the race that is far superior and perfect. Yet that very trait is binding them.”
“Don’t talk in riddles, my mind is out of juice after this.”
“Fine, little prince.” Arat simplified, “When everyone is so perfect in everything, their pride clashes, they are all born leaders so who will follow them? One can never admit they are inferior to others, that is why that race can never be united. If that wasn't the case, whole Genas would be under the Clandorian flag.”
“So the infighting will dwindle their strength but if you take the council side, then they will be the ones bringing their might to your doors. Don’t they?”
“Oh, you are still a kid.” Arat mused, “Who says we have to pick sides? We will be just an open store. Selling our state-of-the-art weapons to whoever losing”
“You are one wicked old fox.”
“I will not hold any candle to you when you come to my age. I’m sure of that. You expedited that war with just your words young one.”
“Hmm… they should at least learn to not disturb me. I was really going to enjoy these two days.”
Both were speaking and walking towards the exit and then, they heard sudden interjection. “So are you clear to go or do they want to hold you longer”. Delimira asked leaning to the wall.
“As if,” Hans was never this happy to see Delimira and his happiness was visible on his face. She then greeted Arat, but Hans stole her away by the hands. “Hey, where are we going?” She asked.
“To meet that six-seven cups of cocoa” Hans answered.
“So you were listening.” Deliminra paused for a moment and, grinning, she spoke, “Then how about the begging part, are you gonna do that too?”
“As if Winters.” Hans said laughing while Arat from the behind shouted, "Remember they are horrendous creatures." But just like his father, Arat's words fell on deaf ears.
