Anugo's Power

"Three months, thats all I have." Miashgon said as he sat with Zerona on the rock. The sun was in full shine, brightening the entire courtyard, and the grass had not yet begun to brown with fall.

"Relax, and enjoy yourself Miashgon! It's a beautiful day, and I don't want you spoiling it with your 'regal worries.'" She leaned into his chest, her beautiful brown hair right under his chin, and Miashgon wrapped an arm around her.

"I'm sorry, I can't help but be worried. How am I supposed to rule an entire Kingdom? How can I fill my father's position?"

"You'll do fine. You are a born leader, and your father will counsel you. He was three months from being a king once as well."

He sighed, and looked up into the sky. "I don't know. I think-"

She interrupted him abruptly, "Let's go for a walk outside." She slid off the rock and headed towards the door.

Miashgon followed after her, grasping her hand as they entered the castle hallway. Halfway down the stairs, a servant stopped them.

"Prince, the King wishes to have you come the council." He cleared his throat, "He said it was to be done immediately."

Miashgon frowned, and looked at Zerona, "I'm sorry, I wanted-"

"No worries! Our walk has been postponed. Go counsel."

Miashgon smiled, kissed her on the cheek, and followed the servant to the council chambers on the first level.

As he entered the room, he was surprised to see that fourteen out of the fifteen chairs were full. Every chair but the one directly to the left of the King.

Miashgon silently sat down and looked around. Next to his father sat Fuldon, his wise eyes closed. The four seats across from the Miashgon and his father were filled with The King of Ashgor, Xavier, one of the King's best advisors, and a small, brown-haired, mouselike man. On either side of the table sat various nobility from Rijero, what looked like the military council. Miashgon recognized all of the except a young man, built like a mountain, on the left side of the table.

"Well, Miashgon," The king said with a smile, "now that you're here, I think Jarel should give the rest of you his news."

The King across the table had been frowning when Miashgon entered, and that frown now deepened. "You may not know this, but a human has come to power in Orna for the first time in fifty years. His name is Gwamar Thwargas, and he is very young to be in control, only twenty-four."

An old Duke named Zet broke in, "Apologies, your highness, but what does the political goings-on of Orna have to do with the military leaders of Rijero?"

Jarel Lxotu looked Zet directly in the eyes. Miashgon himself had received this stare, when he had asked the King of Ashgor to pursue his daughter for marriage. It was an intense, soul-searching stare, and it made you pay immediate attention to the man. "It wouldn't," The stare continued, "except the fact that Dali here just came from Orna with information that Gwamar is amassing an army to attack the continent." He frowned darkly, "He's looking for Anugo's power."

A silence settled over the entire room, and Zet sat back in his chair, looking stunned. Miashgon looked at Fuldon, who's shining, grey eyes had come alive, and were directed at Dali, the messenger.

Miashgon's father broke the silence, "Now that you're informed, I wat you to think of the consequences for the next few hours. After dinner, return here."

Slowly, and silently, everyone rose to their feet and exited the room. Miashgon, his father, and Fuldon were the only ones left in the room. Miashgon asked Fuldon, "What is Anugo's Power?"

Fuldon looked Miashgon in the eyes, another individual who could penetrate the very soul on command. "Come with me, I'll show you."

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