[h2]Krone the Scream Taker[/h2]

The ride from the estate to Shadow Pass was a long one, though it seemed to take forever to get to Shadow Worth once in the pass. The mountain range splitting Gemminia from the rest of the world was both long and wide. This was why for so long no one had invaded the land, one could get lost in these mountains and never be heard of again. Vivari was protective of her youngest children, the mere thought of the Great Mother was enough to cause the Drakken to growl. Why? Maybe it was inbred into the Drakkens when they were created by their gods, the first real godly children. But it mattered little now.

Coming around a large bend the fortress of Shadow Worth came into view. It was a grand sight to behold and one not seen anywhere else but here. It was an amazing feat to carve and build a fortress into the side of a mountain and one two miles above the main road of the pass. From the outside it looked to be of Drakken make with re-enforced outer walls, grand platforms with war machines and a triple gate. But Krone knew that the inside was of Gem design, as it had an elegance that only they seemed to have. Though they did have grand paintings, mosaics and stained glass forms of the Drakken gods. They had the same for their gods and goddesses but they didn't make they as grand as the Drakkens. Most likely out of fear of upsetting them.

How did he know what the inside looked like? He had come once with his father, back when he did not hold any favoritism or power. Back then he was simply one of the many sons of his father. He was sent ahead then to choose a bride or two for his father, that way his father didn't have to make a show or get frustrated with the fact someone else took the one he wanted. Krone would then spend the night outside his father's chamber guarding the door along with one of his brothers. 

Now that was what he was doing or had done. He had sent one of his brothers ahead of him to choose a bride or two. None of his sons were old enough to be here, let alone walk. 

Krone and his men rode up the twisting road up to the front gate then into the courtyard. Getting off his mount he took a deep breath and slowly turned to give a small calculating smile to his men, who were his brothers and some older than him. None of his father's house (them being an off shoot of the main family D'Veaux.) thought he would rise to power and take his father's place in the D'Veaux family court. His rise to power wasn't full of blood like some of the other families. No, he never did more than he had to and everything he did had a purpose. 

Walking into the fortress, he carried himself with a cold calm precision that was off putting to many Drakkens. Most were use to savagery, intolerance and a loudness that only Drakkens could master. But Krone was quiet, calculating and always seemed to know something that others didn't. This usually pissed off others, but he could care less what they thought of him.

Entering into the grand ballroom, or at least that is what it seemed to be anyway, Krone was met with his brother who he had sent ahead to choose his bride. [b]"My lord."[/b] said the large Drakken as he placed his right fist over his heart and bowing his head. [b]"I have chosen two beautiful brides for you,"[/b] He said as he motioned for two of the Shadow Worth Drakken guards to bring forth the two Gem girls. [b]"I hope my choice pleases you, my Lord."[/b] The Drakken said slightly nervous. 

Krone eyed the two females infront of him, they were indeed beautiful and looked to be of strong build (though compared to Drakken women they were weak, but for Gems they weren't bad). He could feel the nervousness from both the girls and his men, though they had known him for a long time they still weren't use to his calm demeanour. 

[color=lightblue]"They are satisfactory, well done."[/color] Krone said in a calm matter sounding like he carefully chosen those words to speak. His brother smiled slightly placed his fist over his heart and bowed,before taking place behind him. 

[color=lightblue]"Your names?"[/color] He asked as took off his cloak and passed it to one of his men. He didn't wear armour but his sword did hang from his hip and did have two daggers on his back. But these things were just to let others know that he wasn't easy prey that they could take on.

He knew who had come to take a bride or two, and most were young and brash, killing their entire family in order to gain power. He didn't have to slaughter, yes there was some blood, but only because he saw no other way around it. Though his torture room was enough to get most to stop them from supporting other brothers. None died on his table unless he willed it to be so, no, he let those he tortured live. 

Calculating and ruthless, that's who he was.

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[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpMNXEY_tio]The music the inspired this post.[/url]