The seven rulers of the great kingdoms stood solemnly around a massive stone table, torchlight flickering across their hard faces. They had gathered in the Holy Chamber located on neutral ground between their realms to discuss matters of mutual interest.
Despite sharing the same goal, tensions ran high between these powerful rulers and their teams of advisers and generals. Years of animosity, rivalry, and broken promises had created a deep-seated distrust among them.
Emperor Augustus Valerion of Valexus was the first to break the uneasy silence. "The tournament approaches. We must establish terms for engagement between our citizens during the contest."
"Yes, we cannot have a repeat of last time's grisly affairs," said King Bjorn Ironside of Myrtana. Several rulers nodded grimly, remembering past tournaments marred by blood feuds erupting between competitors.
At that moment, a hush descended upon the room as the doors opened and Queen Surya entered wearing her regal robes of gold and purple silk. Her hair was intricately braided in traditional style with bright jewels adorning it, catching the light from every angle. As she walked to face all gathered there, she had an air of confidence surrounding her like a gentle fog that quieted everyone's voices. All eyes were on her now as if transfixed by some unseen force as Queen Surya proclaimed "Let us speak".
"You are late" said High King Alistair of Albion kingdom
Queen Surya bowed gracefully in response. "My apologies, My Lords. I have only just returned from a meeting with my advisors and it took longer than expected." A murmur ran through the room as the rulers exchanged questioning glances before turning back to Queen Surya.
"Let us not waste any more time" said Pharaoh Ramseskhem, king of Khem kingdom, as he stepped forward. "Indeed," Queen Surya replied with a nod of acknowledgement.
"I come to propose an end to the long-standing rivalry between our kingdoms. It's time to put an end to the hostility and restore peace." Queen Surya's words were met with silence as the rulers contemplated her proposal.
After a few moments, Chief Tonatiuh, king of Aztlan kingdom spoke up. "Your Majesty, what do you propose we do to achieve this peace?"
Grand Prince Nikolai, Ruler of Slavhem kingdom, looked around the room before responding. "I suggest that we enter into a formal treaty of alliance and agreement between our kingdoms. As part of this treaty, we will set forth trading agreements, create military alliances and mutual defense pacts with each other as well as setting forth laws and regulations for trade between us.'
King Bjorn, nodded in agreement saying "It is true that too much hatred and violence has been prevalent in our lands. It is time to make a change."
The High King Alistair was taken aback by the Prince Nikolai's proposal but he could not deny her strong words. "What then, do you suggest? " he asked cautiously..
After an hour of tense negotiations, the monarchs hammered out a treaty governing conduct among fighters and consequences for violating inter-kingdom rules of honor. With the formalities concluded, the gathering adjourned as quickly as protocol would allow, relieved tensions still unresolved.
******
Far removed from the cloak and dagger politics of the realm's highest echelons, Keros awakened feeling restless. For weeks, an invitation from High Priestess Avita had occupied his thoughts. Her interest during their brief encounter had proven surprisingly hard for Keros to forget.
After months of lackluster training with Gareth, the wise but weary warrior, Avita's praise for Keros' potential had reignited his competitive spirit. While honored by the esteemed priestess' recognition, apprehension gave Keros pause. Consorting with someone of Avita's influence was no simple matter.
Yet Keros found his curiosity impossible to ignore. What could she teach someone willing to devote themselves fully to the art of combat? How far could he go under the tutelage of the kingdom's most powerful figure in the occult arts?
After carefully considering the message before him, Keros finally made up his mind. If there was the slightest possibility of gaining experience and realizing his true ambition, he had to take it.
Donning his crimson cloak, Keros headed off towards the imposing Mansion situated close to the Temple at Riverbend. Colossal marble pillars lined the forbidding approach to the mansion's inner sanctum, and the massive iron gates barred his entrance. But he was nothing if not determined. He took a deep breath and stepped forward to confront whatever fate awaited him inside...
The gate creaked open in response to Keros presence and he emerged into an expansive flower garden, marking the threshold of Avita's manor. On it's deck sat a grandly adorned chair, upon which a woman in fine silk sat. She wore a crown of stars and the most beautiful face that Keros had ever seen.
"Welcome boy. Come, let us speak in private." Keros followed her into a candlelit chamber filled with ancient tomes and arcane artifacts. He seated himself on plush cushions across from Avita, trying not to stare at her alluring beauty in the dim, incense-filled room.
"You seek a purpose, do you not?" Avita said in a smooth, sultry voice. "I have seen it in your eyes since we first met at the Gareth's House. I can offer you more than the simple life of Riverbend."
Keros nodded. Avita smiled knowingly and gestured to Mari - an ancient servant standing silently in the corner - to pour two mugs of tea. The rich aroma of black leaves blended with exotic spices filled the room. She raised her own mug in a toast and said, "Your destiny awaits, young one - if you would accept it."
Keros felt the last of his reservations disappear as he lifted his cup to join Avita's toast. He knew that a thrilling path lay ahead, and he was ready to take it.
He smiled into Avita's eyes as she rose gracefully and said, "Come with me, Keros – the journey begins now!"
Avita said. "With cultivation, your could become truly formidable. But that requires utter devotion. What I offer necessitates sacrifice - of leisure pursuits, even bonds of family or friendship."
Keros addressed her with a bow and a courteous nod of the head. His hands were clasped in front of her, and he met her gaze without flinching. His voice was sure but soft, his words carefully chosen to express deference for the woman standing before him. he felt humbled by her presence and said with confidence "I will hold nothing back if it means unlocking my full abilities. For too long I have lingered idly in Riverbend, oblivious to greater destinies."
Avita smiled. "Spoken like one born for ascendance. In time, your determination will face difficulties far harsher than you can imagine. But such trials temper living steel into polished blades."
She moved closer, her gaze boring into him. "I will teach you the old ways - knowledge guarded by mystics and masters of energy for generations. You may call it...atman."
Keros sat cross-legged on the floor of Avita's study, watching intently as she gestured him.
Avita seated herself across from Keros. "Tell me young man, what do you know of atman?" she asked, taking a slow sip.
Keros frowned, the foreign term unfamiliar on his tongue. "I cannot say I have heard of such a thing."
Avita nodded knowingly. "Few in this age still possess the ancient wisdom of atman. But those who master its gifts can achieve extraordinary feats."
Setting her tea aside, Avita extended her hand, palm upturned. Keros stared in astonishment as a flickering sphere of blazing blue energy materialized above her fingers. The mysterious flame danced around her hand, casting undulating shadows across the room.
With a wave, Avita dissolved the flickering glowing. "That, my dear boy, was atman - the vital energy that dwells within all living beings. Properly controlled, it allows one to surpass normal limitations."
Keros' mind overflowed with questions, but Avita pressed on. "While all possess atman, only a rare few like myself can harness its dormant power. But you have not much potential Keros. With my guidance, you may join that rarefied company."
For years Keros had suspected that hidden talents lay latent within him, waiting to be revealed, but this time he felt empty of any special abilities. Here at last was a key to unlocking his true capabilities.
"I am ready to learn," he said resolutely.
Avita smiled leniently. "Ever the ambitious one. In time, you may even surpass your master Gareth given proper motivation."
She moved behind him and pressed her body against him, her hands lightly massaging his broad shoulders. "But to ignite atman's spark requires utmost focus," she said huskily, moving closer as her lips brushed against his ear, "Are you prepared to give all for greatness?" She held her breath as an answer hung in the air.
Keros ignored her touch, his thoughts completely consumed by the possibilities Avita's teaching promised. To command such arcane abilities was worth any price.
"I swear to dedicate myself fully," Keros vowed. "Please grant me the wisdom of atman."
Avita's lips curled into a gratified smile. The hook was set...now to carefully reel him in.
Later, as Keros practiced controlling his breathing and focusing inward as Avita had instructed, a feeling of profound calm enveloped him. For the first time, he could sense the energy swirling around and through him. He felt connected to the forces that churn existence. Over the following weeks, his mastery grew each day under Avita's stern but mind-expanding guidance.
Avita refilled their tea before continuing. "Harnessing atman requires understanding its history and nature. This force flows through bloodlines and kingdoms alike, shaping fates."
Keros listened raptly as Avita described her own journey. "I was born to one of the noble priestly families of Valexus, blessed with immense atman from childhood. My affinity quickly outshone peers and even seasoned mentors."
"By adolescence, I had mastered abilities it takes most a lifetime to barely grasp. My reputation spread and soon pupils flocked to learn from the prodigy."
Avita's eyes took on a faraway look. "But knowledge was my only real desire. Unraveling atman's mysteries became my obsession. I devoured every arcane text and trained with reclusive masters to push beyond perceived limits."
Keros could relate deeply to her unrelenting curiosity and hunger for continuous improvement. Their drive to uncover hidden truths resonated between kindred spirits.
"My skills eventually captured the Emperor's interest. Recognizing atman's importance to Valexus, he appointed me as High Priestess and advisor. Of course, many on the court seethe at a woman wielding such influence." Avita laughed melodiously. "Little do they realize, my sway over the Emperor guarantees their fragile dominance."
Keros' head twirled processing the tapestry of privilege and plots Avita navigated with such grace. Her cunning and vision awed him. She commanded the hallways of power while exploring atman's furthest frontiers.
Avita gave him an appraising look. "But enough about me for now. Our time is short and you have much to learn."
Keros nodded, realizing his journey had only begun. Stepping away from the shadows of obscurity and onto a path of greatness was proving to be an arduous task. He followed Avita out of the study and into the hall, preparing himself for whatever trials may lay ahead.
As the evening continued, Avita guided Keros through various meditation techniques to help him access his inner atman. At first he found it frustratingly difficult to sense this power within himself, but with Avita's gentle instructions and guidance, he was soon able to start feeling small sparks of energy stirring within him.
By the end, Keros felt closer than ever to awakening abilities merely hinted at before. More valuable than any magic, Avita's wisdom illuminated unseen dimensions of the self and spirit.
He thanked Avita wholeheartedly, offering a bow of respect. She laughed and clapped her hands in delight. "You are well on your way, my young Protege."
As they parted, Keros again thanked Avita profusely for illuminating the way forward. "You possess rare focus and Honesty. Perhaps you will grasp atman's teachings in time," she mused.
Though stern while training, glimpses of Avita's graceful charm and clever humor shone through. Keros found her complexity and contradictions fascinating.
With fascination came attraction. Keros scolded himself, finding such notions unsuitable for his pure path. Yet when Avita smiled warmly in parting, Keros felt a deep wave of arousal flood through him. Her striking blend of wisdom, strength and elegance was utterly captivating and his body seemed to hum with her proximity. Shaking his head, Keros headed off into the night - his mind awhirl with revelations beyond comprehension.