1220-05-13
Ana "Silvercrest" Aquavelle:
Mira laughs loud. "I win!" she says.
The sky shines, the day is bright. We play in the courtyard, full of flowers and small trees. Some of them carry purple fruit at the tips, with green leaves.
My father always calls them gifts from the old ruler of Tobe. He says they are special and must never be eaten. Yet I wonder why they grow here where my younger sisters can reach them.
They grow so slowly. Years pass before they bloom, or so my teacher once told me.
I have tasted them before in secret. They are bland, nothing special. My history teacher said they are a delicacy in Tobe and Wara, but I never liked the taste. Maybe they would be good in tea or mixed into a drink, but alone I cannot enjoy them.
Each of us has a different teacher. Father says it is to help us with our talents, but I know it is also to keep us apart. Mira and Kalina together are too much for anyone. I feel sorry for the guards, and even more for our mother.
"You played well, Mira," Kalina says.
I watch them play a small game of chess. I think Kalina is letting Mira win, but I still smile.
"Have you been practicing?" I ask Mira.
"Yeah. Mr. Rosesworn has been amazing," she says. "He's been training me to beat Kalina."
"You hear that, Kalina?" I say. "You better keep training, or she'll pass you."
"Not in a million years," Kalina smiles. "Mrs. Keen would never let me fall behind."
"Why don't we play a war game then?" Mira teases.
"We're too young for that," Kalina sighs. "But when we're older, I'll take you on."
"What about you, Ana?" Mira grins. "Mom's been giving you lessons, hasn't she?"
"She has," I admit, though I think it is because no one in the other—" I stop myself before saying more.
The heavy door of the castle creaks open.
A man steps inside. He has long blonde hair and sharp green eyes. His clothes are plain. His clothes are those of a traveler. I have never seen him before. When Mira notices him, her eyes light up.
She runs to him. She throws her arms around him in a hug.
"I beat her!" Mira says, telling him again and again. A small smile flickers on the man's face before his look turns more serious.
He bows to Mira and then to me. "I am Professor Rosesworn," he says with a polite smile. "This is our first meeting, but I want it to be a good one. I teach Mira history and combat."
"Mr. Rosesworn," Mira says quickly, "how old do I have to be to play a war game?"
The professor chuckles. "You haven't even unlocked your spirit edict or bonded with a dragon yet. Why don't we wait until your tenth birthday?"
"Fineeee," Mira groans.
"Until then, I'll teach you everything I can," he promises with a smile.
He turns and bows to Kalina as well. "Pleased to meet you too."
As he lowers his arm, I notice something strange on his skin. A tattoo. A serpent coiled tightly around a black sun.
They walk into the castle. The door shutting behind them with a quiet crack.3
We started another game of chess.
The same door opens again.
A woman steps through. Her blonde hair shines in the daylight. Her eyes glow a sharp red. She smiles as she approaches us. She moves so quietly it almost startles me when she sits beside us.
"What are you two up to?" she asks, still smiling.
"We're playing chess," Kalina answers.
"Chess," the woman repeats, her voice calm but cold. "It is a game of strategy. Every move decides the fate of the board. Very fitting."
Her words linger in my mind like a warning.
Once you finish, she tells me, "your mother wants to see you in the war room."
"She does?" I ask.
"There's someone she wants you to meet." The woman's smile stays steady.
"Mrs. Keen," I say quickly, "I want to be better than my sisters at everything."
"I'll do my best," she says with a faint grin.
"Can you take over for me?" I ask her.
She nods, and I leave the table.
I smile to myself as I walk away. I was winning.
I walk through the halls, my steps echoing softly. My mother waits outside the meeting room. She smiles when she sees me and lifts me into her arms.
"I want you to watch," she whispers.
We push open the heavy doors to the familiar chamber. My father sits at the long table with his soldiers at his side. We slip in quietly, trying not to draw attention.
Across from him sits a man with blonde hair and eyes that shine like pure gold. The sunlight catches them. Bright and impossible to ignore.
Golden eyes.
There is only one family in the world with eyes like that. Only one man it could be.
Adrian Kundra.
The conversation stops. Adrian's gaze lands on me and his eyes widen.
"Golden eyes," he says, his voice sharp. "Who is her mother?"
"An eye abnormality," my father replies coldly. "It is not uncommon."
Adrian shakes his head. "You may claim that, but I have never seen golden eyes that did not belong to someone of Kundra blood. Even a quarter blood."
My father's jaw tightens. "The color only became recognized after Aldric popularized it and the kingdoms divided. Before that it was nothing but chance."
Adrian lets it go with a faint nod. "Perhaps you are right."
"Chancellor of Pallas. We have more pressing matters."
Adrian leans back in his chair, voice lowering. "I apologize for the delay in this meeting. With my father's death, Pallas has been in disarray."
"I accept your reason," my father replies. "But how do you plan to make amends? My family aided yours during the Hundred Year War. I expect repayment."
"I will honor that debt," Adrian says.
"I also want to question some of your stories."
"Stories?" Adrian's tone sharpens.
"Your fight with the Emperor of Wara," My father presses. "You claim he controlled dragons and that you killed one."
"Yes," Adrian says firmly. "She was powerful. Her dragons were nearly unstoppable. But I defeated one."
"The ability to control dragons isn't new," I say. "But each kingdom does it differently."
"Explain," my father says.
"In Sha'tar, they tame dragons, treating them almost as equals, the way we treat horses. In Maranona, they treat dragons like servants that bend to their will. The people of Wara are different. I believe they see dragons as greater than themselves, allowing them to live freely, fly freely, and use their power without restraint. The dragons of Wara respect this, and because of that, even though Wara has the most dragons, I have never once heard of a dragon attack there."
My father leans forward, his voice steady. "Then tell me, what can we realistically do about the dragons?"
"Humans can stand against dragons, though only a few have ever done it. Tafari proved it when he killed a dragon, as his father Loret once did, using nothing but steel. I have not heard of anyone else achieving the same feat, but it worked for him.
Lions armor is another way to fight the dragons as I have done.
I have never truly fought with a spirit or used an edict. The powers we are discovering are undeniably useful, though they should only be turned against enemies like the dragons."
My father leans forward, his eyes narrowing. "And this armor you wrote about. Lion's Armor. I want my soldiers to learn how to use it."
Adrian frowns. "Lion's Armor is not suited for war between men. It is most effective against dragons or those who have been dragonized."
Dragonized. Dragonized humans? The words stick in my head. What in the world is that?
my father does not flinch. "Still I want to know how it works. Teach our scholars. Show me how to awaken it."
"If your intent is war, it will fail you," Adrian warns.
"And you are certain you have truly experienced this phenomenon?" My father asks.
"My writings are accurate," Adrian says calmly. "Altered only to make them fit for the public. If you doubt Lion's Armor is real I can show you now."
"Please do," My father says, extending a hand.
Adrian rises to his feet. My father's soldiers tense, hands on their weapons. Adrian's guards do the same, moving to shield him.
Adrian lifts his hand, signaling them to stand down. They obey.
Then before my eyes, a radiant shell of white armor shimmers into existence, thin yet unyielding. Its glow pulses softly, and as I fix my gaze upon it, a wave of warmth washes over me. It feels safe, protective, and achingly familiar, as though I have known its embrace long before this moment.
Warm. Safe. Familiar in a way I cannot explain.
I have never felt this before and yet I know this feeling.
Adrian sits again, the armor fading. "Is that proof enough?"
"Of course," my father says smoothly.
My father's eyes drift back to me. "Then I would like you to teach my daughter this ability."
"I won't teach her forcibly," Adrian says. "Those who trust the Lion inherit the Lion's Armor and a weapon to fight against the dragons."
I remember. I remember my mom praying to the Lion in my dreams. It feels the same warm. A safe feeling washes over me every time.
Even in my darkest moments, I could feel its presence. It made me strong. It made me believe I could face anything.
"You don't need to teach her forcibly," my father says. "Those who trust the Lion inherit the Lion's Armor and a weapon to fight against the dragons."
"What do you think, Ana?" a voice asks, and I startle awake.
"Would you like to come with me to Pallas and see Lucius again?" Adrian asks.
"I would," I say, my voice steady. "I want to be able to fight dragons… to never be scared again."
Adrian smiles. "I'm sure Lucius will be happy to see you."
"I want to see him too," I say softly.
"It's settled," my father says. "You will leave with Adrian after a few matters are taken care of."
"Are you sure, Father?" I ask.
"Of course, Ana. No matter what, I will support you, whatever path you choose."
"Your majesty," one of the soldiers speaks, "what will the Veyrith and Marwyn think of this decision?"
"My daughter she remains, adopted or not," my father declares with steady resolve. "And as the current king, it is I who decide where she goes."
"Father, what about Mira and Kalina? Will they come?"
"I'm sorry, Ana, but they are far too young."
I pause. "What about the other matters that need discussing?"
"I think this is the time for you to rest and prepare for your journey," my father says. My mother and I step out of the room, leaving him and Adrian speaking quietly in the background.
"Are you excited?" my mother asks as we walk.
"Of course," I say, smiling. "I've never been to another country."
Tal Aquavelle Perspective:
Adrian looks at me. "She's obviously a Kundra," he says.
"I know," I say, "but I'm not sure she remembers her mother… or her death."
He nods. "My sister… she was sent away for her own protection."
"I had a feeling," I said quietly.
"It's strange," Adrian continues. "My sister was attacked on Barta by a dragon from Wara. Wara… it seems they sent it there by accident. Or maybe on purpose. I'm not sure."
"How did you find out?" Tal asks.
"When my father died, he left a will. It told me everything. I didn't want to read it for years. I only read it when Lilian came and said there was someone with golden eyes."
"We don't need to tell her yet," I say. "I want her safe. She is still like a daughter to me."
"I understand," Adrian says. "Why not let her see the world a little? If she learns the truth herself, she can make her own choice."
"Back to what you were saying, Tal," Adrian says.
"Right. Some people recently came from Ghar to Pallas," I say.
"That's correct," Adrian replies.
"We wanted to send them back," I say. "They are wanted criminals."
"I'm sorry, Tal, but I can't," Adrian says firmly. "I promised Tafari I would protect them."
"Tafari?" I ask. "Who is that?"
"He is a dragon slayer. He is… unmatched. A warrior of legend. His skill in battle is spoken of in every corner of Loret," Adrian laughs.
"Loret?" I ask. "I thought it was called Ghar."
"Once he conquered Ghar, he changed the name to Loret to honor his father," Adrian replies.
"Some high praise from you, Kundra," I say. "Have you met this man?"
"Of course I have," Adrian says. "In two years, everyone in the world will know his name."
I think to myself, What does he want with them?
"Fine," I say, "but don't be surprised if they attack."
"What exactly did they do?" Adrian asks.
"They are Tethambians," I say. "Their kingdom and culture were destroyed recently because they tried to kill Queen Tamara of Sha'tar. They also tried to assassinate Prince Marwyn. How much longer are we going to feel pity for a people who only bring conflict?"
"Even so they didn't deserve it." he sighs.
"Listen," I say. "If you want to protect them, that's fine. But I will start a war if I must."
"You couldn't start a war with us even if you wanted," Adrian laughs.
"Rali is ahead. They are gaining more land than ever. And rumors say Sha'tar is joining the war and speaking with Rali. How much longer will you fight for Prescar?"
"Don't underestimate us!" I yell.
"You're going to get important people killed," I warned. "You've been fighting this war for a decade now. How much longer before someone of real importance dies, or the peace you've grown used to in Disla is shattered?"
"We have it under control," I said firmly.
"And what is your grand plan?" he pressed. "You've already cost hundreds of thousands their lives."
"With Ana leaving, the other families will finally be off my back, and I can return to the front lines," I answered.
"Do not mistake a shared goal for an alliance," I warned. "It took you five years to hear of the attack, let alone explain it. I could have hidden Ana from you, but I chose not to."
"I thank you for that," he said. "I will take care of her."
"If even a single hair on her head is harmed, I will strike. If she dies, your country will burn to the ground."