Weakness

The afternoon sun was on full blaze complementing the clear sky.

Vladis walked inside the Lord's castle and went straight towards his study.

Knock, Knock.

"Enter"

As soon as the lord gave permission to enter the butler entered inside his lord's study and bowed his head. "Lord, knight Vladis is asking for a word with you". The butler quickly explained his reason for his intrusion as he was well aware that his lord hates it when somebody disturbs him during his work. He didn't know why knight Vladis asked him to convey his presence to the lord. He had a special privilege and was the only one who can enter the lord's study as he wishes.

"Send him here". The lord ordered.

Soon a handsome man entered inside the study. That man was none other than Knight Vladis. "Forgive me for my intrusion lord" with that he gave a slight bow to the lord.

"You may stand". The lord chuckled.

"So, what brings you here? Weren't you supposed to be on a date?". Lord asked him with a lazy smile and gave a stretch to his stiff limbs on his chair.

"Of course. If I don't have to deliver some important information to you perhaps, I would have been enjoying myself". Vladis spoke with a sigh.

"Then? It seems like rumors are true about them. Taylor's daughters are beautiful in real life. Tell me have you fallen for one of them or perhaps for both" Arthur chuckled while speaking.

Vladis felt irritated when he saw Arthur laughing. "Let's see if you laugh your guts out after listening to what I have to tell you"

"Sure. Go ahead". Arthur stopped laughing, but you can see the mirth in his eyes.

"Well, Rune Taylor came back from his mission"

"Wasn't his mission to collect information about Soyles Empire? The long last art of necromancy?" Arthur spoke grimly.

"Yes. It was. But no one in the empire knew that he came back yesterday. That old man Brian is too sly. His son has come back from the royal mission, but he didn't even report about it. He is taking a significant risk. If we take any action Rune will be declared a traitor. He knew that we would eventually find out about Rune. Even if we take action against him. Only suspicion will arise. He is holding the majority of support in council and if we do nothing then we will miss the opportunity. You know what I mean. Don't you?" Vladis explained with a frown.

"Everybody reaps what he sows". We can't persuade anyone to walk on the same road as we are walking. Everyone has different aims and distinct paths. We need to try another strategy". Lord spoke impassively.

"Yes. The game has just started. I should not be hasty". Vladis smiled faintly but the blood lust in his eyes was evident.

"Well, this is brilliant news but care to explain how you got to know about Rune Taylor. He is the black horse of Brian Taylor. Even if you have infiltrated his house you won't be able to find evidence about his existence unless he wants us to know about Rune" Arthur questioned.

"Well," Vladis started fidgeting and was uncomfortable under Arthur's stare. In the end, he told everything. "It's like this. When I was with Camy and Ceci they were discussing Rune, so I overheard them" Vladis explained calmly.

"Camy, Ceci? I haven't heard these names before. Who are they?" Arthur arched one of his eyebrows interested in this topic.

"Does it matter who they are? You should just focus on Rune Taylor. You know how much importance he has in this game". Vladis scoffed.

"Of course, it matters who they are. Rune is important but not more than my dear Camy and Ceci ". Arthur spoke leisurely but Vladis knew better than anyone else what that tone meant.

"You are not allowed to touch them Arthur and I mean it". Vladis said seriously. It was clear in his eyes how much importance they have.

"My, My. You have only spent an afternoon with them and now for them, you are threatening me. You barely know them so why they matter to you so much?" Arthur enquired with hidden emotions.

"You know better than me why I want to protect them. Even if you have forgotten about them I haven't nor do I wish to forget them. After you, they are the only ones who have given me my best childhood memories". Vladis said truthfully with a somber expression.

"Can't you forget childhood? They were just kids at that time and who knows if they even remember our single encounter. It will only make us sad so why torture us Vladis. Even if they remember us do you think they will be with us? You know they are Brian's daughter and they both love him. Whatever we say to them they won't trust us. Parental love is something that no one can compare to". Arthur said with a bitter smile.

Vladis remained quiet after listening to Arthur. He didn't want to admit it but whatever Arthur said was true. No one can compare to parental love.

"Parental love. Maybe you are right. What does an orphan like me would understand anything about parental love"? His heart was in turmoil. He does not want to harm them but the road on which they are traveling was destined to create a tremendous storm that will sweep them too. He cannot accept this outcome, no he will not accept it.

Vladis closed his eyes to sort his thoughts. Arthur didn't disturb him, and he too closed his eyes to conceal his emotions. The atmosphere inside the room became sad and gloomy. Both the men inside were lost in their own thoughts. Vladis and Arthur knew about the importance of this game. They were probably cursed to lose their loved ones. To live alone, for this reason, they never attached themselves to anyone emotionally. They both were savage and ruthless sorcerers who never flinched when killing someone.

Alas!

They tried everything to avoid any weakness but still, god made one for each of them.

While Arthur was trying his best to alter the course of his destiny.