learnt as much as he could about wizardry and began plotting his revenge on the brother who, in his eyes at least, now had everything that should have been his.
Time passed by and Vantrax steadily but surely built up his forces, secretly recruiting allies and increasing his own vast personal wealth. He arranged clandestinely for the murder of several Rhuaddan nobles, managing to ensure that their wills were not contested when they surprisingly bequeathed everything to him, acquiring the great mine of Lidzenstor in this fashion amongst others. Vantrax rapidly became Rhuaddan’s richest and most powerful man. But all of this couldn’t be achieved secretly and the King and his advisors now determined to do something about it.
Vantrax was summoned to attend the Palace. On the night in question he was only half way there when King Vechtor’s servant placed an odourless and colourless poison into his drink, which killed the King instantly. The servant of course was in Vantrax’ employ, the poison was known to be used only by exponents of the dark arts, but Vantrax was en route to the Palace at the time of his father’s death and had the perfect alibi.
In the pandemonium that followed there were accusations and counter accusations but nothing could be proven. The arguments and divisions within Rhuaddan grew rapidly and two rival factions emerged when the subject of who should be the next King arose; those who supported the rightful heir to the throne, Prince Artrex, and those who wanted Vantrax to reign, motivated by greed, money and the pursuit of personal ambition. As war seemed inevitable Artrex’ ranks swelled initially with loyal subjects enraged at the challenge from his brother, but Vantrax brought in large numbers of foreign mercenaries, paid for by his secretly amassed personal wealth, and a bloody civil war began.
In the midst of all this upheaval, Artrex and Eronene were married (a move chiefly designed to gather support from the country of Perosya) and Eronene quickly became pregnant. She gave birth months later to the young Princess Zephany, who had the misfortune to be born near to a battlefield on the plains of Astelli. Possibly due to the stress of the situation and/or the conditions at the time, Eronene died in childbirth. Artrex was unable to be at her side as he was fighting a battle not far away. He’d never forgiven himself for not being there when his wife had died and, as he thought of it now, a tear rolled down his cheek.
The war raged for many years, taking the lives of many of Rhuaddan’s population, including the young Prince Nestus (younger brother to Artrex and Vantrax) who was killed fighting alongside Artrex, having reconciled any issues they once had. Again, the perverted logic applied by Vantrax blamed Artrex for Nestus’ death. The evil King now reasoned that he had far too many reasons to hate his elder brother and want him dead. He recruited more and more soldiers and he hunted his brother and his army down mercilessly. Vantrax’ superior forces won battle after battle until the war was effectively over and Atrex’ army was on the run. All that remained was to capture and deal with Artrex. But this final task had never been achieved. It was a problem that Vantrax was trying desperately to resolve.
Artrex’ thoughts were suddenly interrupted as a bird of prey flew low overhead, screeching and squawking. He shook his head slightly to clear his mind and looked across at Knesh, who appeared to be sleeping. It was a sight that was unusual even at night time, never mind in broad daylight, but it pleased the King to see it and he raised a finger to his lips, instructing the surrounding soldiers to remain quiet so that they didn’t wake his friend.
Knesh, the King knew only too well, was the sole reason that Vantrax had not long since routed his army and captured him. Artrex had been provided with all the schooling his father’s Geradas could give, he’d been taught the art of warfare by the very best in the land, but it was his friend, Knesh, who was the instinctive leader. He possessed a foresight and a presence on the battlefield that the King knew he could never hope to match. Knesh had shouldered the burden of command heroically and successfully throughout the worst of times, he’d snatched victory from the jaws of defeat time and time again, often when all hope had seemed lost. And yet, he