The Viking Brothers

ChibiMisu here!! AFF.net was down for quite some time and I would of had this chapter up much earlier. Well, here it is for you!! ^_^ Thanks for the reviews and enjoy!! *hugs for all*

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh


The Viking Brothers


Chapter 32: Escape


Seto’s Room:


Jou opened his eyes due to the warm, gentle rays of the morning sun. He rolled over onto his back and threw his arm across his eyes, the early sun stinging them a bit. His body ached dreadfully, especially in his r rer regions. Surprisingly, he had a peaceful sleep without any nightmares of the previous day. He thought the images and actions would plague his mind all night and deny him sleep. Maybe it was because his body and mind were just so exhausted.
ne tne thing he quickly noticed was that Seto wasn’t lying next to him, only Mokuba. He turned his head to the opposite side and spotted Seto sound asleep on a chair by the bed. Seto had his sword drawn and placed along his lap. Jou also noticed that Duke was in the room too and in the same state as Seto. Both their eyes had slight bags underneath, which proved they must have been up half or almost all night. But what was Duke doing in his room? Why wasn’t he with Tristan?

“Jou?” Jou heard Mokuba’s voice call his name and turned back to him. The boy blinked large blue eyes up at him, his hair a tangled mess. Jou smiled at the cute appearance of the boy. Mokuba always found a way to make him smile.

“What is it, Mo?”

“Where’s Big Brother?” Jou forced his body to sit up, not wanting Mokuba to see that he was in pain. He didn’t want the little guy to worry.

“Shh. He’s asleep in the chair.” Mokuba sat up and looked over at his brother.

“What’s he doing there?”

“Judging by that sword, he probably stayed up all night to protect us.” Mokuba turned and smiled at him.

“Brother is just a big softy sometimes, huh?” Jou chuckled.

“Yeah, he’s all talk!”

“Insults so early in the morning, pup?” Seto cracked a bloodshot eye open to peer at the two forms on the bed. Jou nearly jumped out of his skin, not expecting to hear Seto’s voice. He shouldn’t have said that.

“Hiya, Big Brother!” Seto groaned and rubbed the back on his neck, throwing the sword to the floor. The loud clanging sound of the sword hitting the stone floor caused Duke to jump awake.

“What’s happening?!” He shouted as he looked all around the room expecting to find more Viking warriors.


“Settle down, Duke.” Seto said “I just threw the sword on the floor, sorry.” Duke clutched his heart, glaring across the room at Seto.

“You almost gave me a heart attack!!”

“What are you doing here, Duke?” Mokuba asked from his spot on the bed.

“Oh, you two are awake.” They both just stared at him and Duke felt a bit uneasy under their gaze. “What?”

“Duke was just keeping me company last night because he couldn’t fall asleep, and I happened to be here.” Duke nodded.

“He was the only one awake at that hour worth talking to. Besides, I couldn’t take the smell of those rotten stables any longer! Not to mention all the shit that happened yesterday. I had one hell of a time trying to get to sleep. Well, I’ll leave you guys alone and go see Tris. He’s probably up and about already.”

“Yeah, he’ll wonder where you are.” Jou said as he watched Duke’s retreating figure all the way until he was out the door. His eyes narrowed slightly and he heard a chuckle from Seto.

“I know that look, pup, and it’s not what you think.” Jou flushed just slightly and looked back to Seto.

“What do you mean?” he asked Seto who only smirked.

“That little jealous streak of yours is making its way to the surface again. First with Ryou, and now with Duke. You’re reading everything wrong pup, so I want to see that tail of yours wag rather than lay strait.” He chuckled. “Your fur is sticking up on ends too. Down boy.” Jou puffed his cheeks out at the insult, trying to think up a come back quickly. When he couldn’t think of one fast enough, he let go of his breath and sighed.

“Whatever, Seto. I believe you.”

“Big Brother would never cheat on you, Jou! You should know that by now!” Mokuba said as he pat Jou’s arm.

“ow how he would never cheat on me, and it’s not HIM I worry about it’s the others.”

“I’m flattered, puppy.” Seto snickered. “I thinkike ike this little possessive streak in you. Now you know how I feel when other men look or talk to you.” Jou glared at him and then threw the covers over his head. Mokuba laughed at Jou’s antics before turning back to his brother.

“Is breakfast ready yet, Seto?” He asked, rubbing his tummy which was rumbling.

“Silly, I just woke up so I’m not sure. Why don’t you go check and leave Jnd Ind I alone, okay?” Mokuba jumped out of bed and slipped his shoes on. “Oh, and try to ignore any dead bodies that are lying around, okay? It will take our guys a little while to clean them all up.”

“Don’t worry Seto, I’ll be fine. I’m probably going to play with Beowulf and Annar outside today. It’s so nice out, and I want to get my mind off of the attack.” Seto frowned down at his brother.

“I don’t think I want you playing outside yet, Mokuba.” His little brother pouted up at him.
Why Why not?”

“I just don’t think it is safe right now, Mokuba. There may still be warriors lurking around, and I don’t want you OR Annar getting hurt, okay? So do me a favor and stay inside?” Mokuba rolled his eyes.

“Okay, I’ll stay in here.” Seto smiled and patted the boys’ fluffy black hair.

“That’s a good boy. Run along now and get yourself something to eat.” He watched Mokuba’s retreating figure before turning back to Jou who was still under the covers. “Come on out,.” J.” Jou peeked his eyes out over the sheets. “I want to talk to you, love.” Jou lowered the covers from their place on his face.

“I told you that I’m fine, Seto.” Seto wasn’t quite sure about that yet, but he decided to play along.

“I know puppy, but that’s not what I want to talk to you about. Yesterday at the meeting, we came up with a plan. Yami, Davin, and Duke are going to ride to Herrick Bolverk’s castle to join forces.” Jou gave him a confused look.

“Another Bolverk?”

“That’s what I thought. It seems that Herrick was the adopted brother of Yami’s father. Davin said he would be able to help us should Pegasus attack again. Yami leaves tomorrow and I’ll be in charge of the castle. That means I won’t be able to see you as much during the day and I don’t want you to get your feelings hurt.” Jou just smiled happily at him.

“That’s okay, Seto, I know Yami throws most of his responsibilities on you. It’s fine as long as I don’t have to sleep alone every night.” Seto poked Jou’s nose with his index finger.

“You don’t have to worry about that, pup. But while I’m taking over Yami’sitisition, I want you to keep a close eye on Mokuba. Also, I want you to remain here at all times during the day. You don’t need to go out for anything but your chores in the kennel. And when you do, inform me and I will send someone to accompany you there and walk you back. I’m not taking any chances here.” Jou chuckled lightly and turned the covers down next to him, patting the soft fabric.

“You’re so overly protective sometimes, lover. Come and lay with me for a bit. You must be tired after yesterday.” Seto moved from the chair and climbed into bed, lingling himself under the covers. Jou settled next to him and ushered Seto closer. Seto rest his head his head on Jou’s chest, sighing in content at the warmth and comfort he felt. Jou stroked the soft brown hair lovingly, feeling Seto’s entire body relax under his motions.

“I love moments like this, Jou. I believe that having you by my side keeps me sane.”

“It’s like Mokuba said, you’re just a big softie.” Seto chuckled.

“Only for you two. But remember, this never leaves the privacy of our bed room.” Jou smiled and hugged Seto’s head in his arms.

“I know that, darling. I want this side of you all to myself anyway. Anyone tries to take you away I’ll cut their heads off.”

“If only I was there with you yesterday, I could have protected you. Every time I think of those disgusting men having their way with you, I just-*sigh* I don’t know what I want to do. If I could track those bastards down and rip their dicks off I’d be very content. They hurt my precious puppy.”

“It’s over now, Seto. I told you before, I’m alright and you don’t need to worry. The only thing I ask though is that we hold off on our love making for awhile so I can heal my body a bit.” He felt Seto clench his fist on his stomach.

“Bastards! I’ll-“

”Shh.” Jou silenced “Re “Rest lover, rest. You’re exhausted and deserve a break. Please take the day off to rest up a bit, Seto. I’ll tell Yami you need to take a break and sleep for awhile.” Seto shook his head and yawned.

“Nah, I’m awake Jou.” He yawned again and Jou tickled his neck lightly.

“You’re lying. Come on, lets just lay in bed all dagethgether since you’ll be quite busy for a time. You deserve it, and I’m sure Yami will understand.” He felt Seto nod.

“Okay, I’ll stay in bed. I am a little tired from all that has been going on.”

“I know you all to well, Seto.”

“Yes you do. Now be silent and let me sleep or I’ll have to muzzle you.”


Yugi sat outside in the garden having a picnic with Ryou, Annar, and Beowulf. Annar was busy playing with Beowulf, throwing bits of bread at the animal. Ryou and Yugi were chatting away happily amongst themselves, enjoying a pitcher of wine they snuck from the kitchen. Yugi had come to like the taste of wine but Yami didn’t like him drinking it at all. He’s never been drunk before but if he was anything like Ryou, then he wouldn’t want to be. He had to stay sober anyway to make sure Ryou didn’t consume too much wine and start humping anything that walks.

“Ah, wine tastes so much better than ale!” Ryou said happily as he downed another cup of the liquid. Yugi hiccuped lightly and nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, but Yami will be mad if he catches me. He says I’m not allowed to drink it.”

“Why not?” Yugi shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t know why, he just told me I’m not allowed to drink.” Ryou suddenly began to chuckle. “What is it?”

“It’s just so funny, Yugi! You’re not one to disobey rules! Especially Yami’s rules! And here you are, drinking the morning away.” Yugi himself started to giggle. He wasn’t sure if it was the wine or the fact that he was disobeying Yami for the first time.

“I guess I am, aren’t I!”

“Yugi Motou Bolverk!” Yugi paled and dropped the cup at the all to familiar sound of Yami’s deep voice. “Are you drinking wine?!” Yugi shook his head wildly.

“No, of course not, Yami!”

hen hen why do you smell like it? And why is there a bottle of wine right next to you!?” Yugi’s bottom lip trembled as he realized he couldn’t hide it from Yami no matter how hard he tried. Lying just wasn’t one of his strong points.

“I’m sorry, Yami.” Ryou just sat there, hiding his cup behind his back.

“I’m surprised at you, Yugi. You were the last person I thought of who would disobey my rules. Now stand up.” Yugi stood on shaky legs and yelped when Yami suddenly slapped his bottom once. “Shame on you.” Ryou giggled at Yugi’s punishment, finding it to be extremely cute in some odd way.

“Sorry Yami.” He said sadly and rubbed his slightly sore bottom.

“Anyway, I came out here to tell you that I’ll be going away for awhile.”

“Why?” Yugi asked, his eyes beginning to well up with tears.

“Davin told us about an uncle of ours who may be able to help us fight Pegasus. I’ll be gone for about two, three weeks.”

“No Yami, you can’t go!” Yugi said to him. “I don’t want to stay here without you! At least let me come along?”

“Yugi, this is strictly business and I have to do it. I’m leaving Seto, Bakura, and Marik here, so you’ll be well protected. I’m only taking Duke and Davin with me.”

“Why Duke and not me?” Yugi questioned him.

“He was with Keith fohilehile and has more insight on what happened yesterday.” Yugi frowned and threw himself into Yami, fisting his hands into the soft tunic top.

“I only feel safe when I’m with you, Yami! Please take me with you?” Yami shook his head ‘no’.

“Your job is to stay here and take care of Annar . He needs his mother, Yugi, and if you come with me he’ll have to stay with a nursemaid. I want my son to be cared for by his “mother” and not a nurse, understand? Those are my orders.”

“But Yami-“

”Yugi...” Yami said his name in a warning tone and Yugi backed down.

“Okay Yami, I’ll stay here.” Yugi knew he co’t a’t argue with Yami anymore. He was already in enough trouble with being caught drinking.

“I leave tomorrow at dawn. Will you see me off?” Yugi looked up at him with a pout and nodded sadly. “Good boy. I’ll see you tonight at dinner, little one. Enjoy the rest of your little picnic.” Yugi watched with teary eyes as Yami walked away from them, but not before taking the wine bottle with him. Annar started tugging at his pants, trying to get his attention. Yugi bent down and scooped the boy up, cradling him over his shoulder.

“Don’t be afraid, Yugi.” Ryou said, trying to bring his friend some comfort. “Bakura and Marik won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I know that, Ryou, but I just feel more safe with Yami than anybody.”

“You can’t hold him back from his work, Yugi. If Yami doesn’t have this meeting with whoever, we may have a repeat of yesterday. I’m still shaken up over what happened.” Yugi nodded and held Annar close.

“I am too, Ryou, that’s why I want Yami next to me so I don’t have to be afraid. You’re lucky, you get to sleep with Bakura who could figff sff someone if they threatened you. I’m completely defenseless.”

“I happen to be in the same boat as you, Yugi.” Yugi sat down, still holding Annar close to him. “I couldn’t hold a sword to defend myself either, but I’m just a sitting duck all the time anyway. Bakura doesn’t really pay that much attention to me like Yami does you. Bakura would probably leave me behind and save himself if he needed to.” Ryou hung his head and pulled his knees up to his chest. “After what happened to him yesterday, he seems so cold and angry. More than before anyway. At least you hYamiYami to care for you, Yugi. Think of it that way.” Yugi reached over to his friend and rubbed his arm reassuringly.

“Ryou, I don’t think Bakura is the right man for you.” Ryou gave a short nod.

“I’ve been thinking that recently too....Yugi, can I ask you your opinion? And be honest with me,” Yugi nodded. “Do you think I really love Bakura for him or is it because he’s really the first man I’ve ever had physical contact with?” Yugi blinked a couple of times, processing the quen inn in his head. That was a tough one, and he didn’t think he could actually come up with an answer.

“Ryou, I don’t really know what to tell you. I think you have to find that out for yourself.” Ryou looked over at him and blinked away tears that threatened to fall.

“What do you think I should do?” Yugi bit his lip, trying to think of something useful to hout out his friend. He really didn’t know what to say, but he couldn’t leave Ryou all alone with his thoughts. His friend was ready to cry his eyes out at any moment and Yugi had to think of something to ease his discomfort.

“Um...maybe you should take some time away from Bakura?” Ryou thought for a second, but shook his head.

“That is a good idea, but Bakura is so controlling and selfish. He may not like me the way I want him to, but he’s very greedy when it comes to his posionsions. Sometimes, he can be really nice, but for most of the time, he’s very mean. He took care of me when I was raped and beaten back at the camp site, and he did bring me home Little Bakurina, rest her soul.”

“Hm...well, the only thing I could suggest is keeping your distance from him. Maybe, by some chance, he’ll want the same. All you’d have to do is go talk to him and see what he says. I can’t really tell you what else to do. But, I hope I have helped you in some way?” Ryou nodded and suddenly stood up, finishing his cup of ale and throwing it to the blanket.

“Yes you have, Yugi. What other choice do I have but to talk to him. Do you mind if I leave now? I hate to leave you here all alone-“ Yugi waved his head.

“No, no please, it’s fine. I have Annar and Beowulf with me. I’m just going to finish my breakfast and I’ll come inside. Good luck, Ryou, and God speed.”

Ryou took a deep breath and waved goodbye to Yugi before leaving the gardens. He had to find Bakura and speak with him. He couldn’t go on like this, wondering if Bakura would ever love him in the way he wants him too. He still felt something deep for Bakura, but wasn’t sure if what he was feeling is right. What if Bakura keeps him only as his personal slave for a lifetime? He’d have no freedom of his own to do what he pleased with whomever he pleased. After being with Bakura this whole time, the man hadn’t really changed like Ryou had hoped he would. Maybe there IS someone better out there for him. Only one way to find out.

Ryou found Bakura chatting with Marik outside the soldiers’ barracks, drinking ale and laughing as they did. Those two together frightened him to no end. They were both head strong and crazy; completely evil. But, he couldn’t show any fear, for those two would feed of that. He had to go with confidence and pride, or they’ll wipe their feet with him. Taking a deep breath, he walked gingerly over to the two men, making them halt in their conversation. Bakura looked him up and down with a sneer.

“What do you want? Shouldn’t you be doing your chores, like washing my clothes?” Ryou stood his ground and cleared his throat.

“I would like to talk to you, Bakura. If you would be so kind as to excuse us for a couple of minutes, Marik?” Marik nodded with a twisted smirk.

“Sure. I’ll just be in the barracks, causing a ruckus and wrestling with the guys. Later.” Ryou watched him walk into the barracks before turning back to Bakura. Bakura glared at him with his hands on his hips, clearly upset with him.

“Make this fast, Ryou! I have a wrestling match to win!” Ryou nodded and stood firm, looking him square in the eye.

“I will make this fast, Bakura. I need to ask a request?”

“Shoot.” Ryou tried to keep his hands from shaking by stuffing them in his pockets.

“I would like to request an absence from your custody, Bakura.” Bakura raised a brow at him.

“Absence?” Ryou nodded.

“Yes. You see, recently, I’ve told you about how I felt about you, but you’ve never returned those feelings. I always seem to make you angry, and I don’t want to do that anymore. I thought it would be best if the two of us were away from another. Will you let me go on my own, Bakura?” Bakura threw his head back and laughed.

“Excuse me, but did I just hear you right, little lamb? YOU want to leave ME?” He waved a finger in Ryou’s face. “Absolutely not! You are mine, remember!? I claimed you as mine and you agreed! As I recall, you were crying out my name in pleasure and begging me take you harder. You’re just trying to spite me now.” Bakura landed him a slap outside the head, but he didn’t do it hard, just enough to show that he was pissed. “Get back to your work and never mention anything like that again, got it!?”

Ryou twirled around on his heel and hurried off, now allowing his tears to spill freely. Bakura didn’t care for him one bit! He must have been such a fool this past year! Well was wasn’t going to stop him! He wouldn’t let it! Malik wouldn’t dwell on something like this, so he wouldn’t either! Bakura can’t control his life just because he’s a selfish person! Ryou decided that he was going to try and live a different life, but behind Bakura’s back.



Malik strolled along the side of the castle, heading for the barracks where he knew he’d find Marik. Marik wasn’t in bed when he woke up so he figured his lover was off to raise hell somewhere. He wanted to get his mind off all that was going on, so he wanted to ask Marik to take him shopping in town. He needed some new clothes and other little accessories.

As he was walking along, he spotted Ryou up ahead. His friend was running, and looked like he was crying?! It must have been something Bakura said to him, he figured. Before he could ask what was wrong or say “hi”, Ryou ran right past him. Ryou didn’t even look back to wave or apologize or anything. He must really be upset, Malik assumed. He’d give Ryou about an hour to settle down before he went to talk to him. Ryou could be so hysterical in the beginning of his troubles and it was best to just let him calm down a bit first.

When he made it to the barracks, there were only seven men outside practicing swordplay. Among all of them, Malik didn’t spot his lover anywhere. He figured Marik must be inside wrestling, or something. Before he could take a step to the barrack entrance, his eyes caught a familiar face among the men. It was Duke engaged in swordplay with one of the warriors, and was pretty good at it. He guessed Duke knew how to fight with a sword since he was an outlaw.

An idea suddenly popped in his head. If Marik wouldn’t teach him to fight, then he could force Duke into doing it! He’d learn what he could from Duke, then go back to Marik and kick his ass! Malik smiled at the thought of Marik getting a mouth full of dirt, just because he was annoying at times. With that happy thought in mind, Malik ran over to the fighting duo, shouting Duke’s name.

“Duke!! Hey Duke!!” Both men paused in their training as Malik pushed in between them, facing Duke. “I would like to talk to you.” He turned to look at the soldier over his shoulder. “Get lost, Bubba.” The man snorted but did as he was told. Malik turned back to Duke with a large smile and sparkling eyes.

“That’s kind of frightening.” Duke said, leaning back a bit. “What do you want?”

“You know how to fight with a sword?” Duke nd.
d.

“Of course I do. I was an outlaw, remember? I’m better with an arrow than a sword, though. But I have enough knowledge of a sword to make good use of it. Why do you want to know?” Malik slipped his arm around Duke’s shoulders in a friendly gesture.

“Would you like to teach me everything you know? I want to learn to fight so I can beat Marik at his own game!”

“Whoa, back up now, Malik. Marik has been trained to fight ever since he was kid! You can’t compare MY skills to his!”

“But some skills are better than none!! Please Dukie?? For me??”

“ ‘Dukie’?” Malik gave him big “puppy dog” eyes and he couldn’t resist.

“Oh, alright. But don’t sayidn’idn’t warn you about Marik’s fighting level!” Malik patted his friend on the back twirled in a circle. He was so happy right now!!

“Lend me a sword, my friend!”


Bakura’s Room:

Bakura yawned and scratched his back as he headed for his room. His belly was filled with meat and wine, along with a side of servant fucking. Despite all the troubles, life was good. He entered his room in a tired heap, scanning for Ryou. Ryou was already in bed and sleeping soundlakurakura’s clean clothes were washed and folded nicely in the baskets along with his weapons polished. He gave himself a pat on the back for giving Ryou a good pep talk. Ha! Wanting to leave his custody! What a joke!

Ryou must have heard him come in because Bakura saw his eyes open to acknowledge him. Ryou said nothing to him but just rolled over in the bed. Bakura shrugged his shoulders and freed himself of his tunic shirt, tossing it on the floor. His belt came next, followed by his boots. He kept his pants on for....certain reasons. His experience with the enemy put him on the edge, but just a bit! Of course, he wouldn’t let anyone know that. It’s a chilly night anyway.

Bakura turned the sheets down and climbed under their comforting warmth. The bed shifted a little as Ryou slid away from him, now laying close to the edge. Bakura gave him the evil eye, figuring Ryou was pissed at him for refusing his request. Tough shit!

“Ryou, get your skinny ass over here and lay next to me! This is where I want you!!” Ryou said nothing at all but just did as he was told. He rolled over next to Bakura, but didn’t cuddle up to him like he usually does. Bakura found this act strange, so he decided to bite. “What the hell is up with you?”

“Nothing, my lord.” Bakura smiled

“I like that title, Ryou, so continue to call me that.”

“Yes, my lord.”

“But there’s something wrong with you. You’re not being your normal, “clingy” self.”

“I’m only doing what I’m told to do. Goodnight, my lord.” Bakura stared down at the velvety white hair, surprised by Ryou’s behavior. The boy hardly talked or made those stupid “poor me” faces. Oh well, he’d think about it in the morning. He knew he had to get up early to see Yami off and the morning comes awfully fast. *ain’t that the truth! -_-*


In the dungeon:


“You on patrol tonight?” One guard asked as the two entered the dungeon room.

“Yeah, have to keep an eye on Keith. He’s still out cold, you know. Ryou must have really given him a good wallop!” They both laughed out loud, the sounds echoing in the darkened halls.

“Who would have thought Ryou could do something like that?! When Keith finds out how he got captured, he’s gonna be furious! Not to mention his pride will be hurt!”

“Just one more thing for his cousins to laugh at him about! New jokes will be on the way soon!” they laughed again as the first guard took the hoop of keys.

“I’m gonna go get some ale, you want some?” the second guard asked the first.

“Yeah, sure.”

“Okay, back in a flash.” the second guard exited the dungeon, leaving the first guard alone. The guard whistled as he patrolled the halls, checking in all of the stalls. He noticed one of the torches were out, so he lit it with another one.

As he turned the corner, he noticed that the hall was all dark except for a single torch. The guard knew Keith was being held in this hallway and he hurried to the cell. When he reached it, the cell was pitch black inside and the door was missing.

“What?! He’s gone!?” The cell door was lifted off of its hinges and up against the wall. Something hard met with the man’s head and everything went black....


Keith peeked around the doorway of the guard’s quarters, seeing that both men were sound asleep. He dashed across the doorway, silent as a cat. He came to a cross hall and stopped, looking down each one. He grinned as he caught sight of a door which hopefully was a way out. He hurried over to the door and looked through the small barred window. There were stone steps leading upwards and a gentle breeze came through the window. He knew then that it was a way outside, and that was even better. He pulled on the large iron handle and the door creaked open. Looking around one more time and seeing no one, he slipped out the door. To his luck, the guards never saw fit to lock the doors and he easily made it outside.

Keith saw that he was behind the castle and all was dark. There was one light that he spotted further away and it came from the stables. His eyes narrowed as he knew who had to be there: Duke and Tristan. He growled low in his throat at the thought of the two together. He was going to KILL Duke for betraying him then kill Tristan for taking him away. No, he thought of a better idea; he’d kill Tristan first so Duke could watch and THEN kill him. Yeah, that would be better.

He took off in a run for the stables with alarming speed. There was only one thing on his mind, death. Now, he just had to think about how he was going to kill them. Oh well, he’ll scope out the situation first, then decide .

When he finally reached the stable doors, he peeked around the area seeing nothing but horses. The horses barely noticed him as he sneaked through the center of their stables, looking and listening for his two targets. At the other end of the stable, he saw a stair case leading up to the second floor. The faint sound of voices traveled down the wooden steps, catching his attention. The two were up there alright, probably laying in bed. By the height of the moon in the sky, it was well past midnight.

There was a grouping of sacks under the stairs, labeled “oats”. He tiptoed over to the tower of animal food, settling down behind it. Their voices were much more clear now. Keith knew he had to strike when they fall asleep because the two of them could fight if they need to. He’d just sit quietly and wait for an opportunity.

Meanwhile, upstairs-


“You’ve quieted down. A piece of gold for your thoughts?” Duke asked Tristan who laid beside him in their bed.

“Nothing, I’m just staring off into space.” Tristan replied, pulling Duke closer to him so his back was pushed against his chest. “Will you be able to sleep tonight?” Duke sighed.

“I hope so. Its just, the silence gets to me and I’m just waiting to hear the sound of Seto’s war horn again.” He felt Tristan kiss the back of his neck.

“Don’t worry about it, Duke. Pegasus’s only ally was Keith’s army, and we destroyed them. Pegasus’s army is not strong enough to attack us on it’s own, so you don’t have to fret about it.”

“Okay I’ll try.”

“Hey, why don’t I go to the kitchens and get us some warm ale? That always puts a man to sleep. What do you say?” Duke rolled over in his arms and smiled at the request.

“I don’t usually drink that stuff, but if it will get me to sleep, then I’ll have some.” Tristan kissed him on the nose before rolling out of bed and throwing his clothes on.

“I shouldn’t be long, Duke, so just hang tight. You’re not scared to be alone here, are you?” Duke smiled and shook his head.

“Nah, I’m fine. Go fetch our ale, Fido!”

“Will do!”

Tristan winked at him before descending the steps to fetch the ale. Keith remained hidden behind the sacks and listened for the faint sound of foot steps. He heard the stable doors close and knew Tristan had left the premises. He wasn’t expecting Tristan to leave Duke here alone, and that only made the job easier. It foiled his plan about killing Tristan first, but this would have to do. Keith moved out from behind the sacks and stood at the bottom of steps, hearing only Duke’s soft humming. Now, how was he going to do it? Looking around the room, he saw nothing that he could properly use. He felt something under his boot and looked down to see a loose rope laying limp there. That would do.


End chapter 32

I had to leave you all with a cliffy, I’m sorry. *hangs head* I give you permission to hit me if you want to for the evil cliff hanger.