This fic is inspired by Atlus entertainments strategy game Tactics Ogre.
It has a few similarities because of all the political conspiracies and
such on.

WARNING: This chapter does contain a dark scene. No, of course no rape.
just blood and murder.

APOLOGY: I'm sorry it took me so long to post this part but there are
two reasons. 1. I was busy with something else and couldn't write
because it gnawed at my soul. 2. This part is almost twice as long as
chapter 2 and 3x as long as chapter 1.

Well enough rambling, enjoy.............
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                               Part 3 of Beguile.......

    I sighed as I sat in my throne. It was so dull here, so very dull. I
was waiting for the king of Teln to come, he would be here soon, I knew
it. But I couldn�t help thinking about their
situation, the Teln situation. I wondered who I would prefer to win, the
government, or the various anti-government movements? The
anti-government movements would be a fighting force that could help
bring down the Remen. But the problem is, they might attack this
kingdom, a great risk. We would win, no matter how big of an army they
raise, but it would still cost us a lot of people. Then the Remen would
move in. But if the Teln government wins, it won�t do anything. It will
spend the next ten years recovering from the civil war. Then another
twenty years, at least, to recover from their already terrible
situation. But if civil war did erupt, which it most likely would, then
the anti-government forces would win.
    Everything could go any way. The Remen could invade due to the
weakness of the Teln army after a civil war. But that would leave them
open to an attack by us. Even though the people do not want war, the
thought that the Remen might invade would cause them to let me start a
war. But the Remen knew the consequences of that, and wouldn�t even
think of trying.
    Nothing was known of the true situation at Teln. All that anyone
knows is that there is an anti-government movement with almost enough
power to overthrow the government. And of course everyone knows the
leader, former general, Allen Torelm. Of course there were other
factions within Teln, but the one lead by Allen was the most powerful.
Some people say that they heard he was going to unite the factions and
bring a new era of peace to Teln. But that was just a rumor. And rumors
spread like wildfire through countries. Almost impossible to stop you
have to let them burn out. Which makes me think of the rumor of a Remen
spy here in Armel. If there was, he would be caught.
    All the problems of this continent aside, the king of Teln was
coming. He would find a very displeasing response to his request, I
would decline the offer to send troops to stop the anti-government
movements. I couldn�t afford to send the amount of troops needed to
remove the anti-government forces. The anti-government movements would
unite if they see an enemy coming to destroy them. Also support for the
movements would increase due to the fact that the king is begging
another country to send troops to destroy their own people. With all of
this it would take at least a fifth of the army to take them out. And
with the Remen threat, who knows how strong they really are. The Remen
have a way of surprising me, in all aspects. The few spy�s we�ve sent
there never returned. That might have started a war if we hadn�t caught
just as many of their spies. But this game had to end soon, but anyone
could win. Us, the Remen, the anti-government
forces, or even the Teln government themselves. Nothing was absolute,
nothing certain. And who knows, this may never end. We may live forever
in this false peace, waiting for someone to make a move. Then who will
make the first move? Us, the Remen, the anti-government forces or the
Teln government. Four main groups, each trying to gain control, but
would any?
    I sighed at that last thought. It was not the time nor the place to
think of such things. What happens, happens, and there�s nothing we can
do to change it. you just had to take things one day at a time, or you
would end up corrupt like the Remen. Trying to foresee and twist the
future to destroy their enemies. While we, the Armel, try to foresee the
future, and protect ourselves from it.
    These thoughts were soon dismissed when a young man came running
through the front entrance. It was the same boy I met the day before, I
just hoped this time he wouldn�t bump into me. If he did, he would
regret it. �What do you want? Why are you barging in on me young man?� I
tried to sound stern, but I was angry. This man was very annoying, and
getting on my bad side was a great mistake.
    The young man looked at me in fear, he knew that I could crush him
in a second. He knew he could spend the next thirty years behind bars,
or be dead, or many other cruel things. �I�m sorry your majesty. But the
king of Teln is here to see you.�
    I nodded slowly, surprised that he got here so fast. It�s only about
4:00pm, he shouldn�t have arrived for another three hours, knowing him.
The foolish young king, Sainmer Horim, liked to indulge himself in his
riches. Even though his wealth was nothing compared to Moraner Drel�s
wealth, or my wealth, it was still a great fortune that most nobles
would die for. Because of his love to indulge himself he likes to travel
slowly, seeing everything along the way and being as comfortable as
possible. If he moved this fast then the situation in Teln must be worse
then I thought.
    But I shook these thoughts of, remembering I had a guest waiting,
and a young man now kneeling before me. �Well then go on and tell him to
come in. Say that he can only bring in two guards, and that they have to
come in unarmed.�
    The young man got up slowly off his knees and bowed slowly. I was
tired of him and he was being outrageously slow. So I yelled, �GO!� At
him, and my yell echoed through the throne room.
    He was scared half to death and ran as fast as he could through the
main entrance at the very opposite end of the room. It was a very large
door, big enough for seven men to walk through with plenty of space, and
at least twenty feet tall. It seemed to be made of wood, but it wasn�t.
There was a very light wood covering the real door. The wood looked very
nice and fine, giving an impression that it would break down easily. But
the wood was only an inch thick on each side. Within the wood was metal
shielding for the door, about a  foot thick. This whole castle looked
nice but it was built like a fortress, the Armel are always ready for
war.
    I waited in the throne for a couple minuted before the Teln king
walked in. He was accompanied by two unarmed guards. From their armor
and decorations I could tell they were his royal guards. But that�s what
I expected. The both wore grey armor which covered their whole bodies.
they had their national insignia on their armor, the golden tear of
Teln. It was amazing that people could walk in such heavy armor. But by
their looks it seems they could handle it. They looked as though they
were built for battle like machines.
    The king always got the best soldiers to protect him, always. The
king was dressed much like me. With black pants and a black shirt which
left no skin revealed. He wore black leather gloves and had a black
cloak on. His hair was a little long and a very dark black. His eyes
would be black if there was such thing, but they were close enough. A
almost blackish brown. This young man loved black, and no one knew why.
But one thing was known was that this twenty-five year old kid was
reckless, and that�s probably what started the situation in Teln. If
only he could supply to the people�s needs he wouldn�t be near the end
of his reign, and the end of the old Teln kingdom.
    He, Sainmer Horim, was the youngest of the three kings and overly
foolish from what I know. The king of Remen, Moraner Drel was the oldest
of us. He was said to be seventy years old, but yet still a master
swordsman. And last of all there�s me, the thirty-eight year old king,
former leader of the Armel holy knights, and also known as the hero of
Elmor.
    I watched as the two guards and Sainmer bowed before me. I looked in
his eyes as he looked up at me, begging for mercy. I quickly turned
away, in fear that I would say yes to his proposal. He looked like a
wounded puppy, trying to get someone to help him. In a sense, he was.
Those young eyes seemed to burn, a searing heat that caused a great
pain, in my conscience. The enemy I thought I defeated so long ago.
    Sainmer then got back on his feet and looked up at me, considering I
was on a higher platform. I did this to maintain a look of dominance and
control, which was very important for a king. I had been a king for
almost a decade and I have learned many things.
    Sainmer was soon followed by his guards who bowed once more before
standing up straight. I couldn�t tell how the guards felt since their
faces were hidden behind a helmet, only having a small opening to see
through. But I could read Sainmer�s face, the face of fear and despair.
He looked as though Death was about to tap him on the shoulder. And who
knows, death might. But that was later and now was now. And I had to
think of a constructive way of saying no.
    King Sainmer finally said something. His voice was soft and gentle,
it sounded like he was begging, a thing kings rarely did. �I, Sainmer
Horim, am so glad that you, the honorable king of Armel, would have let
me come here on such short notice.�
    I smiled at this man. Even though he was rather pathetic and weak,
he was almost a friend, and it was good to see a real friend after so
long. �Please dispense with all these false
pleasantries, you know how much I hate them. Just a handshake would
suffice, and maybe a pat on the back.� I said with a smile. It wasn�t a
false smile like I usually let out, but it was a real smile. This was a
nice man, and a good sparring partner.
    Sainmr nodded and smiled. �True. But we both know why I�m here. So
do you have an answer?� His smile seemed to falter at that last comment.

    My smile faltered as well with that comment, I didn�t want to ruin
our little friendship with the truth. Maybe I should let out the news at
a more pleasant time. �Let�s talk about that later. Want to have a
sparring match?�
    Sainmer sent his two guards away. They left the room and closed the
door behind them. �Sure. A sparring match would be great.� So we agreed
and went to get the stuff ready............
    �Has he posted the guards through the city to find our �spy�?� Said
one dark figure sitting in a throne.
    �Yes. The fool hates us so much that he would do anything to try to
destroy us. He believes any rumor that comes around.� Said another
figure kneeling before the throne.
    �I know. Little does he know that we planted that rumor. Everything
will happen according to the plan.� Said the figure on the throne.
    �Exactly, your lordship.� Said the kneeling figure.
    �Relen, Could you please stop calling me that? I would prefer it if
you called me Moraner.� Said Moraner.
    �Okay fine, your lords.... I mean Moraner.�
    �Good. Now Relen, has the king of Teln arrived at Armel?�
    �Yes. Most of our sources say he will say no to the treaty.�
    �Perfect. With that one comment he will seal his
fate.�..............
    I looked at Sainmer who was standing just a few meters away from me.
He was wearing the same thing as before except he had removed his cape.
He basically wore the same thing that I wore, royalties travel gear. But
I wore the suit all the time because the usually thing the kings wore
was too heavy, and bulky, and luxurious. I hated that stuff.
    The whole room was white limestone and was almost as big as the
throne room. This was where my royal guards trained every day. It was a
nice place, but I didn�t usually get a chance to practice now a days. I
was to busy running the country�s affairs.
    I grinned at Sainmer as I anticipated my victory. I drew my wooden
practice sword. Sainmer soon followed by drawing his sword. He wasn�t as
good with the sword as was, but he was good. �On guard Sainmer.� I said
before moving towards him.
    Then the battle began. The sound of wood against wood rang through
the room. I noticed that his skills had improved. He blocked, struck and
parried well. He was still no match for me, but he was pretty close to a
masters skill. �You�ve improved since the last time.�
    Sainmer nodded as he parried one of my blows, trying to pull of a
successful counterattack. �You as well.�
    I shook my head as I struck his side with my sword. I could hear the
sound of a bone cracking a little. But Sainmer was a strong man, and
that wouldn�t slow him down. �No, I haven�t improved really. I have to
spend to much time running the country. How do you manage to practice?�
    Sainmer would have shrugged his shoulders but he was to busy trying
to gain the upper hand in this fight. �Well, honestly, I need the
training. The way things are going in my country my sword will be
needed.�
    I looked at him in wonder, was the situation really that bad? �Is it
really that bad?�
    He nodded with and then parried a blow. �It�s worse then you can
imagine. The anti-government movements have at least double our military
force and have most of the peoples support. And with the recent
defection of Allen Torelm things have gotten even worse. About a tenth
of our army left with him, and the ranks of the forces have grown. Allen
was a hero, and the greatest swordsman on this continent. People follow
him wherever he goes.�
    I struck Sainmer again, this time in his left arm, right above the
elbow.�That�s bad news. I sparred with Allen once, he is amazing. He�s
the only person that can beat me in a sword fight. He�s a natural, a
very charismatic man.�
    �I know. But about the proposal.� Sainmer said very slowly and
calmly.
    �I�m sorry, I can�t. I can�t send troops to your country.� I as
truly sorry. He was a nice guy, and the only true friend I had left. But
ones country is more important then friendship.
    Sainmer hung his head low as he finally landed a blow on by left
arm. �I see. Could I know why?� He sounded really depressed.
    I felt my urge to spar disappear and threw my sword aside. Sainmer
understood and threw his sword away as well. The sound of wood hitting
the floor was the only sound noticeable in the room. Not even each
others breathing could be heard. �It would take to many troops to hold
stop the movements. They would gain more support if I helped. It would
take at least of my army to take the country and protect it. But then it
wouldn�t even be your country, it would be mine. Also the threat of the
Remen forces would be so great. With my army spread out like that, they
could invade.�
    Sainmer looked at the ground in despair. He knew it was true, and
that it was a smart idea not to help. �I see. Well I was a fool to try
anyway�s. Can I at least stay until the morning?�
    I nodded and tried to smile, but it was too hard. �Sure. Just follow
me.� And so they both left the training room and I showed him the way to
his room. I felt very bad for not accepting his plea. And that was one
decision that would weigh greatly on my soul.......
    A man dressed in all white and red paced back and forth. He wore a
long red woolen shirt and black woolen pants. He had short, reddish hair
which looked like it wasn�t tended to in a long time. His eyes were a
green that looked as though they could see into a man�s soul. He was
rather tall and of a slender build. He didn�t look like much of a
fighter but this was the greatest swordsman in Almeir, Allen Torelm.
    He looked down at the long sword in it�s sheath, cliped onto his
black belt. The sheath was just regular brown leather, but the sword was
of the highest quality. Only given to a grandmaster. It was made with
perfect strength, balance and endurance. That sword was one of the
greatest honors bestowed upon any knight, and he was proud to have it.
Only four people are grandmaster�s now. Allen Torelm, Youlem Montair,
Allen�s general Jeros Mandeirn and Emy Swo. Emy was the only woman ever
to have that award, and she was a lieutenant under Jeros Mandeirn�s
command.
    Allen then heard a knock on the door which interrupted his thoughts.
�Who�s there?� A man called back and Allen recognized his voice. �It�s
me, Jeros. I�ve brought some people here to see you.�
    Allen smiled, Jeros was a great friend of his. �Come in! You know I
have no problem with you coming in.�
    Allen heard the large wooden door squeak as it opened. This was
Allen�s throne room of sorts, nothing elaborat. It was just dirty old
limestone with a few torches lit that kept the away the darkness. The
throne, was just a beautiful chair. Something a nobleman would sit on,
but not a king. But he was no king, just someone trying to bring a
revolution.
    It was a small room, actually every room in this building was small
because it was no castle, it was a fort. Last time anyone used it though
was during the war where Teln fought against Remen. Of course that was a
long time ago, and Teln was the most powerful country back then. But how
the mighty have fallen. Everything was lost in a great plague, and then
with the occupation by the Remen. Luckily for us the Armel drove them
out of Teln.
    Then three people walked in, shutting the door behind them. One was
a woman who looked like she was about forty. She had long blond hair and
deep blue eyes. She wore a blue tunic and blue woolen pants, much like
the ones Allen wore. She wore a brown belt that had a sword buckled to
it. From what Allen could see it was a grandmaster�s sword. which means
this was Emy Swo.
    She stood on the right of Jeros. Jeros was taller then Allen and a
lot bigger. He had long black hair and dark brown eyes. He wore a blue
cloak which almost covered his whole body. From what I could tell
everything else he wore was the same blue, blending in perfectly with
the cloak. He had a blue belt with a grandmaster�s sword buckled onto
it.
    And last of all was a man to the left of Jeros. He wore a black robe
and a hood which covered his face. The man was slim and looked rather
frail compared to the other two. He bore no weapon and seemed rather
harmless.
    Allen looked at the three in wonder and posed a question. �What do
you want?�
    Jeros stepped forward to answer the question. �A martyr, nothing
more.� With that Jeros drew his sword. A
    llen gave Jeros a dark look and drew his sword as well. �Traitor.
You want me dead? Then come and try.�
    Jeros moved towards Allen slowly, and quietly. �I don�t want to hurt
you, you�re a good friend. But we need to overthrow the Teln government,
we need a revolution, and we need a martyr for the people to fight for.
We all want a world where people live together in peace, and the
darkness of hatred and pride are far away. Why don�t you throw down you
sword and let us end this quickly, so we can bring peace to the people.�

    Allen spat on the ground because of that last comment. �How can you
bring a revolution by using lies? Are you willing to sacrifice your
ideals to achieve your goals?�
    Jeros nodded. �I�m ready to sacrifice my ideals for true peace. For
a world not led by hate. And we both have the same goal.�
    �The ends don�t justify the means. Your just as bad as the Remen.
You�ll burn in hell for this.�
    �You�re right. I will burn in hell. But at least future generations,
and my son, will not live in a world of war. A world where women and
children are killed because of hatred towards people of a different
nationality.�
    �That won�t bring back your wife. That�s what your doing this for.
You want to make it up to your wife. You think it�s your fault she was
killed by Remen soldiers. Is this your way of saying you�re sorry? By
lying to others, lying to yourself and killing people. Your wife Maria
would be ashamed.�
    Jeros hung his head low as he felt anger swell up within him. �Damn
you! Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP! Don�t ever talk about my wife like that.
I�ll kill you for speaking that way about her!� With that he charged at
Allen with his sword.
    Jeros anger clouded his judgement so Allen used this to his
advantage. When Jeros swung his sword Allen quickly moved out of the
way, pulled his sword upwards and sliced of Jeros�s right hand.
    That hand and sword fell to the floor and Jeros yelled in pain. No
one heard it outside of the room, only those within. Drops of blood fell
from Jero�s wrist. He tried to stop the bleeding but it was too late and
red blood was all over the floor.
    Allen looked down at the hateful man in pity. The man was now an
empty shell. Nothing remained but anger, and sorrow. �You can turn back
no Jeros. I won�t kill you if you and your friends go and never come
back.�
    Jeros spat out some blood which joined the blood already on the
floor. �Never, bastard.� He coughed a bit more. Allen knew that Jeros
would live, if Jeros had the will to live. He was a very strong man and
could take almost any sort of punishment.
    Allen shook his head. �A pity. Such a hateful man wanting to end
hatred. If you wanted to end hatred, then you have to end yourself.�
    Jeros nodded. �That�s the plan. But I can�t die before the
revolution begins. I�ll be happy to join Maria, once it�s all over.�
    Before Allen could answer to that comment Emy stepped forward,
drawing her sword. �Ready for round two?�
    He nodded with a heavy weight of despair on his soul. He hated
killing people, he hated war, he hated blood and he hated hatred. He
fought for the people, and not against them. He would never kill an
enemy unless they tried to kill him.
    So they fought. She fought very well, a grandmaster for sure. But
Allen was the greater swordsman and removed the blade from her hand. Of
course her hand, and arms were cut up badly in the process, making a
very bloody scene.
    Soon Emy joined Jeros on the floor. Alex stood over the two defeated
foes. He bore no wounds from the battle, another sign of his skill. �The
punishment for treason is to be hanged. But I don�t care much for
killing. So you�ll spend the rest of your life in prison.�
    But before Allen could call any guards. He felt a terrible pain in
his back. It was so great, the pain. He turned around to see the man in
black, reloading his crossbow. The man must have had it concealed, damn.
�Bastard. Dishonorable bastard. Can�t you fight fair?�
    Allen was about to move when he felt another stab of pain. This time
an arrow had pierced his right leg. Then Allen was hit was three more
arrows before he finally died. One more in his right hand, then another
in his shoulder and then one in his heart, which finished him off.
Before the man died, he damned them all to hell, spitting more blood on
the floor then thought possible.
    Once Allen was dead Jeros got up, his left hand holding his right.
He had a wad of his shirt torn of and used to try to stop the bleeding,
with limited success. �Good. It��s too bad he died, he was a friend.�
Jeros sighed and moved over to Allen�s corpse. �Okay, we have to get
everything cleaned up. Emy, clean up most of the blood and make it look
like the Remen did it. Romsa, get our medic. Then when Emy is finished,
tell the guards that Allen was killed by a Remen assassin.�
    Romsa bowed and then left the room. While Emy began to clean up and
set the stage for a tremendous scene. This play had to go perfectly,
there were no rehearsals. The only thing that stood in there way was
Youlem and the Armel.
    Jeros frowned at the corpse wondering if the ends did justify the
means. And was it right to sacrifice ones ideals to achieve ones goals.
These would be thoughts that would haunt him for the rest of his life,
and death.
..................................................................................................

    Hope you like it so far. Send C & C please, flames accepted.  And
now to rambling.....
    The more you go along, the more conspiracies there are. This story
is actually a apology for that crappy fic I wrote, when the rose
shatters. This is also a first attempt at a story with no demons or
magic. It's also a first attempt at something political.
    Also I stole a line from Tactics ogre to use in this story. The
line, "Are you willing to sacrafice your ideals to achieve your goal?"
It might be the exact line, and it may not. But it's basically the same
thing. ^_^
    Last but yes it's least. No one will probably read this far but what
the hell I'll write it anyways.
    If anyone wonders why I write only dark fics {This is the first one
that's not pure dark} Is for these three reasons....
1. It's what I enjoy writing.
2. It's what I'm best at writing
3. I only get ideas for dark fics. I get ideas for non dark fics, but
the ideas suck.
    And now a 4th, not true reason.
4. There's not enough dark fics out there now a days, so I have to save
the people who like them.