A group of soldiers stand at attention, lined up in front of a desk as Finian walks up to each of them. He reaches out and pulls a Pawn Piece out of the soldiers' canceling their contracts. He holds the Pieces in his hand as they salute him and walk out in single file, leaving a room as Finian sits down, organizing his Pieces.
“Let’s see. We need to be ready for when the Demon will awaken.”
“Are you sure that’s a wise idea?” Celine floats down from above, looking down at Finian. “Shouldn’t we look for a way around the barrier?”
“The Twins have already told me the result of that.”
“Another prophecy?”
He nods. “Yes. The Demon will awaken. So, there’s no need for us to look for a way around it. Our efforts are best used preparing for the awakening.”
“You put a lot of faith into their prophecies.”
“Well, not completely. Every tale of the future is in how you interpret it. In this case, I choose to believe in their words that the Demon will awaken and a titanic battle will occur.”
“And there’s something else, isn’t there?”
He smiles. “A sacred flame will awaken and burn away the darkness.”
“What?”
“That was the latter half of their prophecy.” Finian leans back and stares up at Celine. “The Demon will awaken, triggering a great battle. Amidst the battle, the sacred flame will awaken and burn away the darkness, cleansing the world.”
“Huh? So, a hero will stand up and beat the Demon.”
“Very likely.”
“And what you want is to see just who that hero will be, isn’t it?”
Finian turns away. “Why Celine? I’m insulted you think I would only care for my self-interest in this situation. I want to do my duty and bring about an end to this Demonic threat and end this chaos before it can spread.”
“Don’t try to play me. I know what you're like. You want to see who this hero is so you can plan out the next phase of the war.”
He nods. “Okay, you have a point there. I need to be careful here. I’m in a prime position to see just who the power players are, and information will be the key to winning this war after all.”
“You have a point there. But do you think this is appropriate? I mean, aren’t you noble types supposed to slay Demons?”
“We are. But I can do both. A true king isn’t distracted by just one thing. We can deal with the Demon and use this chance to see just how everyone’s grown. It’s my duty as a wise, responsible older sibling.”
“Right.”
“It’s true. Despite our positions, I care greatly for each of my younger siblings. Our father spread his seed quite far and wide, so it’s only fitting that someone watch after the fruits of his efforts.”
“You care for that dear of dad of yours despite his awful reputation.”
“I have nothing but respect for Count Fenwick, my true father, by blood. And since my foolish elder brother got himself killed, I have to be the one to take up the reins for his legacy.”
“But what does that have to do with the others?”
“The legacy of the Fenwick bloodline. The sacred skill that slayed the Demon Lord and brought an end to the age of Demonic chaos. The ability to forge Sacred Weapons. The perfect tools for slaying Demons.”
“Oh. So, you have a backup plan?”
“Sadly, no. No one in the modern age has a way of summoning those Sacred Weapons. The knowledge was lost after the war. Buried for being too dangerous.”
“Oh, that’s a shame. Could use something like that right now.”
“But remember what the prophecy said.”
“A sacred flame…. You don’t think?”
He nods. “I do. Someone here will reawaken that ancient technique. And I want to be front and center for when it does. I want to see the revival of our bloodline's sacred art and learn it for myself.”
“Fine, I followed you this far. I’ll indulge you in this matter. Just tell me how I can help.”
“My dear Celine, your time will come. For now, we need to wait and prepare.”
“Prepare for what? We have all our weapons and everything ready for when that Demon awakens.”
Finian stands up. “The Demon isn’t the only thing locked behind that barrier. My dear, irresponsible younger brother is locked in there, too. And despite his reckless and irresponsible nature. When the chips are down, you can almost always count on Glyn Mattox to do something impressive.”