[url=https://youtu.be/-h-W1qLcTSA]Main Theme[/url]

[center][url=https://youtu.be/8-wIg90lagk]Track: "Havkar's Request"[/url][/center]

A car pulls over in front of the Royal Palace. The palace is a majestic building, constructed with the finest materials and designed to fit the royal family's wishes. It was situated along the coast, away from the bustling city of Leinstinburg. For centuries, the palace was the centerpiece of a great compound which served as a fortress to protect the royal family should the city be attacked. The fortress, built in the shape of a star, was protected by dozens of royal guardsmen. Dressed in red and armed with the most modern equipment, these soldiers were tasked with protecting the royal family with their lives. A young man, tall in stature with black hair and tan skin steps out of the vehicle. In contrast to the other guards, he wore a grey sweater and matching pants. Stepping up to the door, he is let in by one of the guards who leads him into a great entry hall. Ascending a set stairs he continues deeper into the mansion until they reach a set of double doors. The guard opens them and allows the new arrival inside. Closing the door behind him, he is left alone inside of a large bedroom. Across the room, laying in bed is the King of Leinstein, Havkar von Leinsteinburg. 

"Payam." The old man calls to the young man, who takes a deep breath as he approaches the bed. Standing by the bedside he proceeds to bow. Havkar waves his pale hand. "That's not necessary." Said Havkar, with a smile on his face. "We don't have long." 

"Sire?" Asked Payam, looking concerned. "What do you mean?" 

Before he could answer, Havkar began coughing, wheezing as he tried to compose himself. Payam swallowed a knot forming in his throat. The man laying on that bed was a shadow of his former self. A man who once commanded respect across the nation had been reduced to a pale and frail sickly old man. The man he looked up since he was a child, had been reduced to nothing. 

"Payam, please listen. We don't have much time. Take this," Reaching for his neck, Havkar took off his necklace and handed it over to Payam. "Greaves will know what it means." 

The King placed on Payam's palm, closing his hand tightly. "Hurry. The Kingdom is at stake." 

Payam nodded, taking a deep breath while attempting to compose himself. "Sire. Y-you are like a father to me. If there is anything I can do to help-" 

Havkar interrupted him, smiling confidently. "No, it's too late for me. But not for you and my son. You two still have a chance, don't waste it on an old man like myself. I've done all I came here to do. It's your turn now." 

Even in his last moments, the King managed to pull that smile and inspire confidence on Payam. Giving the King a short bow, Payam headed for the door but he stopped as Havkar called out to him. He turned around to face him.

"Yes, sire?" 

"My son, Valkner, he looks up to you. No matter what he says, he needs you and you need him. Take care of each other." 

"I will." Replied Payam, as he opened the door and dashed back to his car. Once inside, he took a good look at the necklace. It was half a triangle with an owl with its wings spread to the side made in silver. The other half of the necklace was missing. There was something carved on the triangle, but Payam couldn't figure out what it said. Placing the necklace around his neck and tucking into his shirt, he turned on the car and sped off into the distance. Payam hoped he could find Jarred Greaves in time. The entire fate of Leinstein was at stake. 


Payam's drive took him several hours. The hours felt like an eternity to him, however. He couldn't get Valkner, the King's son and the person he is sworn to protect out of his head. When the King asked for him, he left immediately. Though, he came to regret it immediately. The Prince was on a trip to the Emirate of Huzuzar to discuss a trade agreement involving vast quantities of fuel and water in exchange for steel. Leaving the Prince with the Royal Guardsmen was the last he ever wanted to do. But the King's word went over his and the Prince's. Ever since they grew closer, Payam found it harder and harder to leave his side. That reminded him of the last thing the King told him. That Valkner looked up to him. Did he know? 

His string of thoughts were interrupted by a radio broadcast. The man on the radio went over the daily news and then, his tone became somber as he announced an update on the King. King Havkar had been missing from the public eye for many weeks. Rumors were flying around regarding the King's health and his ability to rule. Parliament was finding it hard to prevent a vote to force an abdication in favor of the younger Valkner. 

[i]"It is my duty to announce the death of His Majesty, King Havkar. A nation mourns the sudden passing of one of its best. The Speaker of the Parliament has announced an extraordinary session to make preparations to crown His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Valkner. This station will provide updates as the become available.[/i] Said the radio host, as the station's regular music began to play right after. Hearing the news, Payam felt a knot forming in his throat. He cursed out loud, shifting the gears of the car, forcing it to go faster. 

A few more hours later, he arrived to the town of Mohberg. It was a fishing town near the west coast of Leinstein. Well-known for its river fish and proximity to the Rivaravian border. The town was inhabited by a close community of Rivaravians and Leinsteiners. It was also known to protect and accept Outcasts, despite their reputation. Driving down its streets, he saw several fishermen getting ready to head out to the river early in the morning. Some of the townsfolk were already heading to the local pub and inn. Others stopped in their tracks spotting the rare sight of a city car rolling through their old cobblestone streets. Payam's car stopped near the pier close to a small neighborhood of houses located by the beach. He took a moment to take in the fresh early morning breeze coming from the sea. Payam walked toward the houses, stopping at the first one which was closest to the pier. Stepping up to the door, he knocked three times. 

"Jarred? It's me." There was a short pause as Payam took a deep breath. "Open the door. I need to talk to you." 

It had been some time since Payam spoke with Jarred. He hoped the man still remembered him.