“See to it.” Konrad said, a flick of his wrist dismissing the nervous lesser Noble from his presence. Not all matters fell on the Puppet-Kings shoulders. Those that involved violence and crimes eventually found their way to the Black Castle. It was very intimidating for anyone to appear before Konrad, and as such there were very few cases taken as far as him.<br/><br/>His guard stood to attention in their positions, alongside the pillars, dressed in full plate mail. Not an inch of skin was revealed, and they were as black as the stone around them. They looked demonic in appearance, their armor containing spikes in various places that were not just for show. Swords, with red jeweled handles, lay across their backs. These were those chosen as the Honor Guard from the Brotherhood.<br/><br/>Konrad seemed distracted. His mind was in fact concerned with other matters. Namely the acquisition of the Girl who had so far eluded his grasp. Patience, he reminded himself. Patience. He who could wait the longest was rewarded the richest. So his Master had taught him. Konrad had been impatient as a child and had learned the lesson well. His impatience had caused him many lashings. It had been a worthwhile lesson. It had carried over to the battlefield.<br/><br/>Laying in ambush for an enemy patrol had been a nerve wracking thing the first time he had been involved. His party had been all nerves, every noise making them want to jump out of their hiding spots and attack. But they would only do so if Konrad gave them the order. He had not, knowing full well when the Patrol would pass.<br/><br/>Once the patrol had finally come into view, many of the younger soldiers – soldiers his age – had tensed, ready to pounce. But Konrad held them back. The longer they waited, the closer the Patrol came. They had picked their spot near the enemies camp, and had watched this patrol for several nights. The patrol would relax the closer they got back to camp, and that was what Konrad was waiting for.<br/><br/>It seemed like the lead of the Patrol had passed through their lines by the time Konrad gave the order. But they had not, and the Patrol was cut to pieces in seconds, having let their guard down. Konrad and his raiders had made good their escape before reinforcements could arrive. Patience, he had learned, was a virtue.<br/><br/>But how long could wait? It had been 14 years since that fateful day amongst the enclave when he was 10. He had only been able to devote the last two years to the search. Over the last month the reports that had filtered in had brought the sense that they were getting close. The last report he had heard was that they were almost certain that they knew which village she lived in. He had felt his heart beat quicken at hearing that, though he knew better then to allow false hope consume him. He would only know for sure when the Girl arrived and he could view her tattoos himself. That day, he hoped, would arrive soon.<br/><br/>He rose from his throne, stepped down from the dais it was on, and moved down the far end of the hall. The Honor Guard fell in silently behind him, marching two abreast and 6 deep. He had little to fear in this place, his home, but such an escort struck fear into those below him.<br/>He made his way outside to the practice ground, a field well worn from marching feet and training soldiers. He unclasped the cloak from his shoulders, freeing him for greater movement, and drew his sword before turning to face his honor guard. The first three broke rank, drawing their own swords before approaching him.<br/><br/>A clash of steel and a steel toed foot sent one of the guard stumbling forward even as he spun to engage the next, blocking the downward swing of the blade by allowing it in close to his body, before elbowing the man in the face with an armored arm. It stunned the guard, sending him reeling to the ground, even as Konrad kicked the next in the chest to the same effect. The rest of the guard attacked then. Konrad made short work of them, a general rule being that when tapped in place of deadly blow they had to bow out of the fight.<br/><br/>Konrad turned to face those sprawled across the ground. He panted, his chest heaving. He grinned down at them. “Good! You almost made be break into a sweat that time, though perhaps it was the heat instead!” He sheaths his sword, bending over to grab his cloak. The guards reassembled, two of them slightly injured. They showed no signs of weakness though and would nurse their injuries when dismissed later in the day.<br/><br/>---<br/><br/>The next few days passed in much the same manner, Konrad reading over various reports that trickled in about matters from outside the Kingdom. The Bells would chime as a new message was sent via magical means, but it was on this current day that the Bells rang all across the Fortress. It caught Konrads attention and a few minutes later, one of his Priests cautiously knocked on his door and entered.<br/><br/>“She has been found and will arrive within a days time.” The Priest says, shuffling back out of the door.<br/><br/>It took a few moments for the message to sink in. Konrad began to tremble. After all these years, she was in his grasp at last! And the Prophecy would finally be revleaed to him, as it had been revealed to his Master!  The goblet he clutched in his hand contorted and crumbled under his grasp before he tossed it aside. It was all he could do to control himself.<br/><br/>Konrad summoned servants and had them scurrying around in no time, preparing quarters for the girl and a host of other things. The time had come at last!<br/>