[b]Monavdu, Aylsyn[/b]

The soft sound of gravel sighed under foot as two figure strode through the gardens of the castle of Monavdu. Surrounded by the successively rising towers of the large palace, the gardens were a central oasis of peace. Cut off from the tireless life of the city outside the palace's gates, or even the intrigue of the castle itself. Dark-skinned servants and eunuchs shuffled between the plots of towering bamboo and trimmed shrubbery. Many talking in whispers, some alone.

The plots of green were like islands in a lake of gravel. The castle walls a rising stone cliff set with dark windows that looked down into them. Arched walkways traced the edge of the gardens, providing shade and a cool place to sit. Above, fluttering by heavy chords and brass hooks driven into the mortar and shielded by the slate roof tiles of the inner cloisters flew silk sheets, softly dimming the sun and bringing to the garden below a softer, tolerable glow.

“As I was to tell you,” a guard said as he walked alongside Malius as they strolled the gardens, “While on the night patrol of the halls I encountered young lord Bern. Out in the castle at an hour well passed his expected hours.”

“I see.” Malius grumbled. He walked with his head bowed. His feet rose and feel slowly as they wound together through the gardens. His hands clasped behind his back and shoulders lowered he was a man older than his age. Feeble compared to the armored soldier that walked alongside him. “What was he doing out then? Was he hungry?”

“I don't know.” the guardsman said, “I caught him in the main hall, I suspect he was trying to sneak out the main door to leave the castle. But when I asked that he tell me what he was doing and why the prince kept tight lipped and stubborn. When I saw his face it was angry and hot. He wouldn't speak no matter how respectful I asked.”

Malius nodded. If he was angered at his son's actions it did now show on his gaunt face. “He is angry then.” he said, “He will get over it. There is not one day a child goes without being angry. Bern will get over it. He'll find that he can't stay mad for long. I will help with this, if he does not get over to himself than I shall invite him to fast as I do.”

“Are you sure this is appropriate, m'lord?” the guard asked.

“If he knows I am serious about seeking reparations for his actions at dinner last night then he will learn to accept the current standard and let go. It is for the best.” the king grumbled stiffly, “Beyond this, we will hope Lord Wen can put better conduct into the boy, and shape him to be an ideal man.”

“If I may ask, why the King of Westshjore?” asked the guard, “Is he not cursed?”

For once, Malius smiled. A wry, expectant expression, “I have looked into the matter.” he said as dryly as his expression was kind, “The stars are still with him despite his misfortune and Skullding has given me the prognoses, it is not the fault of purposeful blood or dark magic his flesh withers on his face. I know his time is short, and for the honor I have seen in him I want to give him one last chance for him to teach what he knows.

“He is a fine man of the sword, and if my son wants stories as he so richly craves then Wen will have many. More so than the northern prince. He is old, and elders demand respect.”

“Very well my lord,” the guard nodded, “you make a good case. But what of your son's health?”

“Wen sees to the health of all his guests since his affliction. There are precautions he has made to every guest.” Malius comforted, “I hear he does not dine with the castle staff. He is properly bandaged. And any engagement with him is done behind veil and curtain, or at distance. He has ceased to touch anyone, including his wife.”

“May his passing to Morhall be swift and without pain.” prayed the guard, under his helmet his face glowing visibly pale.

“May it be swift and with no burden.” added the king.

“So how shall we entreat your son?” asked the guard, “If he is to continue his disrespect to your highness?”

“Keep him to his tower. If he is seen out passed the setting of the sun and the serving of dinner escort him to his room and post a guard out front. I will meet with the captain of the guard and make the arrangements for the orders.

“I want to keep him here until we can deliver him to Wen. Do no harm to him. If he fights, let him. Tire him and make him believe his tiring dishonor is not worth the effort.”

“As you will my lord.”