The Perdix Kingdom (fantasy)

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1
The Storm

A storm was coming, and a merciless storm by the look of the clouds, hanging heavy in the sky, shielding the land from the sun. Merchants and peddlers bearing an array of interesting artefacts and trinkets, to the more mundane supplies of food and fire- wood, began to pack up their wares; though the poorer merchants staying to the last possible moment. Janus was a town of many gates and doorways; it was said that all trade routes and roads of the Perdix kingdom, travelled towards Janus, the thriving capital. The keep itself sheltered behind large stonewalls that spanned an immense distance and were thick enough to withstand a thunderbolt from the Gods. Below the keep, up and down the cliff face, wove streets and roads, lined by houses and shops. Ironically, higher up the cliff face, and the nearer the keep, the nobles had their homes, though this land was subject to savage beatings from the winds during the frequent storms.
The watchmen were changing the guard upon the sheer precipice and the patrols of armoured soldiers through the streets began. Justice in Janus was swift and often involved death.
Increased patrols were mounted for the declaration of Dexamenus as king-in-waiting, as many merchants, nobles and barons from all over Perdix had travelled far to bear witness to the grand event.
An old, heavily cloaked priest strode up to the keep and hammered so fiercely upon the heavy oaken doors, that the young guard upon sentry duty in the gatehouse awoke.
“Sleeping at your post young Pholus? Tenes would be horrified.” Tantalus chuckled to himself as he observed the expression of deep dismay upon Pholus’ face. “Do not fear, friend. I have to see to business of utmost importance. I am glad that Balius sits upon the throne and not I.” Once again the old man chuckled to himself, the Bastard prince. Tantalus was the older, Bastard brother of Balius; who preferred the study of divine scrolls and writings of the old, than the intrigues of court life. He walked through the open gate, the wind setting his dark cloak flapping about his frail person, though with a show of much strength, he pushed the gate shut, against the ferocious onslaught of the elements. He walked through the keep, keeping to the shadows but meeting everyone that he met with a nod of acknowledgement and a kindly smile to the errand boys and serving girls. Tapestries lined the walls; much wealth had filled the old keep, the tapestries had been a way to hide the bare stone blocks of the keep that closely resembled a dungeon, deep beneath the ground.
“Master Tantalus, the King wishes you attend him tonight; I fear he has grave news, or so his tone suggested.” The runner shone with delight as a large silver piece was pushed into his hand.
“Take yourself to the kitchens, you need to be fed.” The boy skipped off. Tantalus followed the labyrinth of passages and stone stairways until he came to Balius’ personal chambers. A servant who pushed a glass of warm wine into his scarred hands ushered him in.
“The king will be with you shortly, I fear that he has been shocked b the recent news.”
“What news?” Was the cold reply, Tantalus did not like to not know what even a mere servant knew; it was literally common knowledge that he did not possess.
“I am sure that the king will tell you.” He withdrew swiftly.

 

interesting at the least. actually it looks like it could end up pretty good