Ryouji

Relationships:

 

Personality:

Soft spoken and takes learning how to rule a kingdom well very seriously, he is often found in the library studying. He is also not afraid to mingle with the people of his kingdom to learn what they need but because of his serious demeanor it is difficult for him to get people to approach him; they are often intimidated by him.

On the surface he appears to be as cold as his species name suggests but he is actually a very caring person. He only shows this side to his little brother and Chiasa however. His only flaw is that he has a very bad little brother complex. It is so bad that if it came down to it, he would choose his brother over the kingdom.

Around everyone else (such as his subjects and other subordinates) he expects to be shown proper respect. In other words, he expects to be addressed properly and does not like it when he is interrupted while he speaks.

 

Occupation:

Eldest prince and heir to the throne

 

Key Design Features:

• Whereas his younger bother carries a sword, Ryouji does not carry a weapon. He is more magically inclined and relies more heavily on his ice abilities that are even more magnified due to his royal blood.

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It is said the ice palace of the kingdom of Fraust was created from a piece of the First Glacier that sprang into being during the Battle of Fire and Ice, back when the world began. All dragons believe they are descended from that era when the forces of nature battled for supremacy. The ice dragons of Fraust were shaped by the pale fingers of Frauliona in response to cruel Fyrenast’s fire dragons. There will always be mistrust between the two great dragon races.Ryouji’s thoughts were turned toward the distant kingdom of Fyren as his guard formed their customary ring. The ambassador of Fyren was a boor who ate his meat raw and blew smoke rings in the faces of his servants for a laugh. He was also the only hope the two kingdoms had of forming a lasting treaty.

Seiji gripped his arm, pointing in the direction of the harbor. “We haven’t visited the fishers in ages, Ry. They’ll start to think the royal family doesn’t care for the labor of their nets. He pulled a face. “If only they could see you eat your way through a platter of Borea Fish.”

Ryouji chuckled. “Waterside it is.” Ryouji loved his brother with a ferocity only a dragon can feel without being consumed. He would never forget looking down into the crib of the most adorable dragon baby to ever hatch. A wee hand locked around his finger, forming a bond of love stronger than dragonsteel.

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It never ceased to amaze Ryouji, the way his brother could mingle with nobles and commoners alike. Seiji walked right into the middle of the market, asking fishers about the day’s catch and putting in a kind word to a dragonet awaiting word of her missing husband. He handed out spicy cinnamon drops to a group of youngsters that swarmed around his legs, unaware of the uneasy looks that passed between the guards. Seiji saw to it that every dragonling, regardless of size, got an equal share.

A scream drew every pair of eyes. The door of a nearby cottage burst open, revealing two white-haired sisters doing their best to make each other bald. The guards tightened their ranks, much to Seiji’s annoyance. He eyed a small gap, giving up his half-formed plan at a look from Chiasa. As Ryouji’s Captain, she was well used to the antics of the future king’s younger brother.

“He’s mine, you dog! How dare you touch him?”

“Maybe if you mended your nets once in a while you could keep hold of your catch.” The second speaker shrieked as a clump of her hair parted from her scalp. A single drop of blood trickled down her cheek.

“You tramp! I’ll make you taste seawater!”

“What is the meaning of this?” Ryouji’s voice was icy with a note of authority that could not be ignored. The observing crowd lowered their eyes as the heads of the ladies whipped up. Neither was willing to release their grip.

“On your knees,” Chiasa barked. “Show proper respect to your future king or I’ll teach you respect.”

They hurried to comply. Ryouji’s green eyes never strayed from the two before him. “Your husband was unfaithful?”

The first speaker blushed, hands clutching the folds of her apron. “Aye, my lord. My sister is a seductress. She lured my Tov out to the dock with a Moonlight Spell.”

“That’s a lie! She’s the sorceress, my lord. She was jealous of my husband’s success so she called down a tempest to sink his ship!”

“Enough!” All members of the royal family had some aptitude for magic. Ryouji knew both ladies believed they were telling the truth, “Where is the dragon in question?”

He stepped out reluctantly from his hiding spot behind the cottage door. He gave his wife a pleading look but she would not meet his eye. “I had words with her, that’s all. I swear it! She tried to lure me but I wouldn’t have her.”

Ryouji studied him for a long moment. “He speaks part of the truth. He does not cast aside her caresses but he allows no further advance. You may cast your sister from your house or separate from your husband. Decide.”

Those gathered in the crowd stirred uneasily but kept their opinions to themselves. It was well known that the heir was just but his rulings were prompt and unwavering. He was not one to linger on a decision.

Seiji placed a hand on Ryouji’s arm. “Such a decision cannot be made lightly, brother. You have so many duties to attend. Let me stay a while and talk to them.”

Ryouji hesitated, torn between his obligations and his hatred of being separated from his brother. It was no secret that Seiji was better with emotions, for he took energy from the emotions of large gatherings.

“Very well.” Ryouji gave Chiasa a look over his brother’s head as they embraced. She slipped away into the crowd without a sound. “One hour, no more or I’ll have you chained in the deepest dungeon of Frosgard Fortress.” That comment was for Seiji’s ears only.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ryouji was relieved to be back within the palace walls. He wanted to be a good ruler more than anything but he never could match his brother’s charisma. Seiji not only drew energy from the crowd but gave his exuberance for life in return. It was impossible not to smile around the younger prince. Ryouji much preferred the companionship of kings of old.

He could not make his escape to the library just yet. He had promised Ambassador Ataki an audience and he always kept his word, even to such a contemptible worm.

Ataki’s raven hair was greased and woven into a pattern of intricate braids. His golden skin was faintly luminous, said to be a remnant of the First Flame glowing in the heart of every fire dragon.

“I had the chance to read over your latest proposal, Prince Ryouji.” Ataki’s lips pressed together in a thin line as he shook his head. “This will not do at all. We accept that the Eternal Springs are within the boundaries of Fraust as determined at the Golden Dragon Gathering. We do not accept your plan to force our youths into the tunnels beneath the Coldfyre Mountains so you can preserve the appearance of your streets.” Ataki sneered. “You should spend less time on decoration and more on the state of your walls.

Ryoji’s eyes narrowed. “I can assure you our walls are quite strong, Ambassador. Perhaps the former General Snag would care to describe their state. I can arrange for a visit.”

Ataki raised a hand. “That will not be necessary, prince. I’ve no time to consult with traitors. To return to the matter at hand, I can assure you King Flaer will not allow the children of Fyren to be herded through back roads like criminals for merely going to seek Fyrenast’s blessing. We have been more than fair to the farmers of Fraust in allowing them to work the lands on our northern shore. You must give us something in return.”

The farms were mediocre at best, with little crop yield. King Aigen was more interested in keeping the peace than securing gains. Ryouji had no choice but to honor the wishes of his father.

“Very well. The youths of Fyren may continue to use Snowdrop Pass. They will be expected to have an escort-“

“No, no. I’m afraid that will not be possible. We have many youths and not nearly enough guards to look after every dragonling that comes of age.”

Ryouji’s eyes flashed. “Let me remind you of your position Ambassador Ataki. You are a guest in my father’s house. You are not a king, nor even a member of the royal family of Fyren. If you ever interrupt me like that again, I will report your insolence and the great rocs of Coldfyre will devour your flesh one strip at a time. Is that clear?”

Ataki lowered his gaze. “I meant no disrespect, Prince. I only want what is best for my people.”

“Then you will see to it your youths have an escort of at least twenty moons or the will remain in Fyren as dragonlings until they secure one. You are dismissed, Ambassador.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seiji was always in Ryouji’s thoughts. He could picture his cheerful little brother approaching a group of fire dragons and trying to start a conversation with those violent brutes. He shuddered at the thought.

Ryouji shifted as a nub of ice dug into the small of his back. The throne was a gorgeous living crystal that shone with swirls of purple, blue and green lights. Those same lights were mirrored on every palace wall. Usually Ryouji didn’t mind the uneven texture of the seat but today it was terribly annoying. He’d have to put in a word to the shapers.

Where was Seiji? Surely his brother had grown weary of gossiping by now. He had certainly ignored Ryouji’s order. Again. Just when Ryouji made up his mind to send a rescue he could hear the familiar tread of Chiasa’s boots. He could pick Chiasa out of a crowd by the peculiar click of her heels.

Seiji walked behind Chiasa, dragging his feet and refusing to look up at his brother. Whatever trouble he’d caused, it was bad.

Chiasa saluted. “I’ve never seen such a magnet for trouble, my lord. I found Prince Seiji confronting three fire dragons in an alley off Dockside Market.”

Ryouji scowled at Seiji. “Fire dragons, Seiji? How could you be so reckless?”

Seiji scowled back. “It was no big deal. There were only three and-“

“Only three? You took on three fire dragons by yourself?”

“They were barely older than us.”

“Better still! Three mature fire dragons. You’ve done a lot of stupid things, Seiji, but this tops them all. I should have you confined to your room for six moons since I can’t trust you in the street with my best guard.”

Seiji’s lip began to tremble. He could not speak. The thought of confinement was much more painful than Ryouji’s biting words.

Ryouji suddenly hugged Seiji, crushing his little brother to him with the ferocity of his affection. “I won’t keep you prisoner, Sei, you know I can’t stay mad at you for long, but you’ve got to think. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.”

Chiasa cleared her throat. “Something has to be done about the fire dragons, my lord. This bunch was taunting a dragonling not three moons old,” Chiasa’s hands clenched into fists. “It took all my self-control not to cut off their tails as trophies.”

Ryouji kept an arm around his brother’s shoulders. “I can’t disobey my father’s wishes. He wants this treaty to hold. Any aggression on our part could lead to a war that will mean thousands of deaths.”

Chiasa bared her teeth in a predator’s smile. “With my plan they’ll never be able to trace the source.”

Ryouji held up a hand. “You’ll be late for your lessons, Sei. It was hard enough to get you time with Grymhook and he’s not a patient dragon.”

“You never let me stay for interesting stuff.” Seiji knew better than to argue with Ryouji’s warning look. Still muttering under his breath, he departed. Ryouji waited until the throne room doors closed to signal Chiasa to continue.

“To cross the border the fire dragonlings have to come through Tiger Tooth Pass. I say we give them a surprise. Every ice dragon knows fire dragons are gullible. We’ll drop a few boulders into the pass; use the Voice Spell to convince them Frauliona is angry. Ataki can’t complain we’re guiding them away from the main road if their own dragonlings are stupid enough not to use it.”

It was a good plan. Ryouji allowed Chiasa two squads to see it carried out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Any servant with a message for Ryouji was sure to check the royal library first. The future king had a thirst for books that would never be quenched. He had read the memoirs of three centuries of kings and was well into the fourth. Fair or foolish, these were the dragons that had shaped the kingdom he would someday inherit. He did his best to take to heart the lessons of the more admirable ancestors. Even infamous Glyren the Greedy was wise at times in his recommendations for tax collection policies.

He was deeply absorbed in King Halic’s attempts to unseat the Cabbage Knight in a joust when the gentle cough of a servant broke his concentration. He carefully marked his place and set the book aside. “What is it?”

The lad was actually trembling. Seiji would have scolded him for being so curt. “Master Grymhook has requested an audience, my lord. He awaits you in the blue room.”

Ryouji sprang to his feet, striding into the courtyard as the servant scrambled to keep up. Grymhook paced between the blue velvet sofas of the queen’s favorite room, steam rising in slender white curls from his nostrils. He came to a halt on sighting Ryouji.

“I have nothing but respect for your father and you were an admirable student but I will tolerate no more of your brother’s disrespect. Twice this week he came late to his lessons and today he decides not to attend.” He threw his hands in the air. “I checked with the healers but he is not ill, nor is he in his chamber. None of the servants seem to know where he is.

“I assure you my brother will be punished, Master Grymhook.” Grymhook did not look convinced but he knew better than to press the issue of Seiji to his doting brother. He also enjoyed his posh palace suite more than he would ever care to admit.

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The risk to Chiasa and her experienced guards would be minimal but Seiji was no soldier. What if the fire dragons figured out the location of the squad? What if their escort was a magic-wielder? In his mind he could picture the terror on Seiji's face as his little brother disintegrated into a pile of ash. He shuddered and shook away the terrible image.

Word of Seiji's latest escapade spread quickly as Ryouji ordered his squire to ready his armor. Chiasa had left Anori in charge. The silver-eyed guard intercepted Ryouji in the armory, flanked by two of his father’s advisors. “I must advise against this, my lord.”

“Yes, bad enough for one prince to needlessly put himself in danger. I’ll not be the one who must inform the king that both his sons are carrion for the rocs.”

Ryouji seized Kasva’s embroidered silk tunic with a snarl. “My brother is not dead”

Flanin gave his fellow advisor a warning look. “He did not mean to imply that any harm would come to Prince Seiji. You must consider your obligations, Prince Ryouji. Your father is very ill and on the slim chance that harm befell both his sons…” He trailed off, unwilling to finish the thought.

“Chiasa will give his horns a good rattle but she won’t let him receive so much as a scratch. Please listen to them, my lord. This kingdom will be lost without you.”

Ryouji looked only at Anori. As far as he was concerned, the advisors had ceased to exist. “Better the kingdom than my brother.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She insisted he take fifty guards though she had specific orders not to leave the palace herself until Chiasa returned. The stretches of forest and field seemed to lengthen for each mile they traveled. He ignored the calls of those few commoners with the courage to call a greeting. They only intensified his thoughts of Seiji.

Tiger Tooth Pass was a solemn valley, narrow in the middle with great, pointed chunks of stone to either side. The clang of colliding steel reached his ears long before he sighted the melee ahead. He could see Chiasa near the middle, her green tail whipping back and forth as she locked blades with an enormous fire dragon. The bones of rabbits were braided into his hair, marking him as a soldier of high rank. The boulders intended to spook delinquents had been put to better use. Beneath one were the twitching legs of a fire dragon.

Ryouji waved his guard forward, commanding them to refresh their weary comrades. The ice dragons below cheered at the sight of their prince on top of the rise.He did not hear them. He scanned the bodies of the fallen, growing more frantic in his search. Where was Seiji? The fire dragons were making no effort to take prisoners, unless they had recognized Sei as a royal. This was no group of dragonlings on their way to celebrate Fyrenasta. This was a full battle squad.

“Ry!” His sensitive ears could just make out the weak cry. He had not noticed the crack in one of the stones. There was a dip in the ground just big enough to fit a young dragon.

“Seiji!” Ryouji turned, falling to the ground and taking his brother’s hand. There was a cut on Seiji’s cheek and he cradled his left arm. An ugly burn stretched across his pale skin from elbow to wrist.

“I’m going to get us out of here, Sei.” He took hold of Seiji’s good hand. “They’ll pay for hurting you”

“I would say they already have, my lord.” Chiasa cleaned the tip of her blade in the snow. “They’re a gullible lot. They’ve been led to believe we would offer no resistance, that the ice in our blood makes us sluggish. Their commander was quite talkative.” She spat in the direction of the dragon she had killed. The bones in his braids were flecked with his own blood. “All their talk of treaty was a stall. When this one doesn’t return by sunset they’ll be back.”

Chiasa gave Seiji an assessing look. Judging him unfit to crawl, she reached in and gently lifted him out of his shelter. She coated the burn with a thick layer of ointment, drawing a small whimper of relief that Ryouji didn’t miss.

“I’m so sorry, Ry. I just wanted to be useful.” The tears in Seiji’s eyes spilled over. He deserved the worst punishment Ryouji could think of. What a time to draw a mind blank! He hugged Seiji, taking care not to bump his injured arm. “Maybe this time you’ll learn from your mistakes.”

“You’re not going to chain me up in Frosgard?”

In answer, Ryouji took a silk cloth from his pocket and began to gently wipe the soot from his little brother’s face.

Story by Pureflower (Subeta)