1215-07-02
Tal Aquavelle:
It had been a year since that fateful day, and we'd heard no news from Ahk.
I had sent merchants to inquire why we were attacked, but they returned empty-handed. On the brighter side, Rali had agreed to a momentary truce. For the year of 1215, both sides had pledged to cease fighting in Prescar, allowing men to return home and get the rest they desperately needed.
As I sat on my throne in Disla, my palace in the heart of the United Islands of Khiz, my thoughts remained consumed by the families who had been torn apart. Barta. A place once thriving with life was now encased in an unyielding sheet of ice. Soldiers had returned to find nothing but frozen remnants of their homes, and the ice showed no signs of thawing.
It wasn't natural; it felt… magical, as though some force had blanketed Barta in an energy that defied logic. Strangers from other countries traveled to witness the spectacle, treating the "Frozen Island" as some kind of treasure to be admired, utterly ignoring the countless lives that had been lost there.
Ana wasn't doing any better. Though I didn't know her exact age when I found her, I assumed she had been three at the time of the attack. I had chosen that day.
May 30th.
As her birthday. Now, at four years old, she was a shadow of what a child her age should be. That horrific event had stunted her. She barely spoke and spent most of her time in silence.
Today, however, brought a glimmer of hope. Ana's new sisters, Mira and Kalina, were born, and I dared to hope they might coax her out of her shell, perhaps help her heal from the scars of that day.
Fear still lingered in my heart. I feared she would remember everything: watching her mother sacrifice herself to save her. That kind of pain would leave a mark on anyone, let alone a child so young.
The sudden creak of the throne room doors snapped me from my thoughts. I turned my attention toward the entrance, steeling myself for what lay ahead.
"They're ready for you, Grand Regent," a general said, his deep voice echoing through the throne room.
Altro, the general of the UIK forces, was a towering man with dark skin and a stern expression that masked the compassion underneath. His broad shoulders bore the weight of his rank.
I nodded and rose, my mind still lingering on Ana, Mira, and Kalina. As I walked the halls of the palace, I couldn't help but hope that they were all right.
I entered the room. Melissa greeted me with a small smile.
"They've been waiting for you," she softly said.
I approached, my heart swelling as I looked down at Mira and Kalina. Their wide, innocent eyes blinked up at me, their soft coos filling the quiet room. Gently, I reached down and lifted both of them into my arms, one in each hand.
"Look at you two," I said, my voice warm. "You're already stealing my heart."
I spun around in a slow circle. Their giggles bubbled up.
Melissa laughed lightly, her smile growing as she watched.
"Careful," she teased.
"The light that keeps the darkness at bay."
Altro brought Ana. Ana stood quietly by the doorway, watching the scene with wide, curious eyes. I turned to her, holding out my hand.
"Come here, Ana," I said gently.
She hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, her small fingers slipping into mine. I knelt down, bringing her closer to her sisters.
"These are Mira and Kalina," I said softly. "Your sisters. They're going to need you as much as you need them."
Ana stared at them. Mira's tiny hand reached out and brushed against hers. On her face a faint smile.
"These three names will live on as a testament to our family's resilience," I said softly, looking at the little ones cradled in my arms and the girl clutching my hand. "Ana, Mira, and Kalina Aquavelle ... each of you carries a piece of our legacy, and together, you will shape its future."
It was a start.
I sat beside Melissa's bed. Her auburn hair fanned out across the pillow. She still looked as radiant as ever.
"She's smiling more," Melissa said, her voice soft and tired. "It's a start."
I nodded, leaning back in the chair beside her. "It is. She's strong. Stronger than either of us could have expected. Mira and Kalina will help her heal."
Melissa's gaze drifted to the ceiling. For a moment, neither of us spoke, the quiet stretching between us. Then she turned her head to me, her eyes meeting mine.
"What about you, Tal?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What will you do with Ahk?"
I sighed. I ran a hand through her hair. Her question hit the exact nerve I'd been avoiding all day. Ahk. The silence. The attack.
"You need to rest. That's more important than anything happening outside these walls."
Melissa gave me a look, her lips quivering upward in a small, knowing smile.
"Avoiding the question doesn't suit you, Grand Regent Tal," she teased.
"I'll deal with Ahk when the time comes," I said quietly, reaching out to take her hand. "But right now, all I care about is this. Making sure you're okay. Making sure Ana is okay. Making sure we're okay."
She looked at me for a long moment. Her expression softened as her fingers tightened around mine.
"Tal, I'm fine," she said. "I promise I'll rest."
I leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
Her eyes fluttered closed. Melissa had drifted into a light sleep. Her breathing was even and steady. Ana stood next to the bed, her amber eyes wide and uncertain.
She clutched her small white blanket tightly.
She hesitated..
"Come here." I said softly.
"Ana?" Melissa murmured, her voice warm and inviting.
"M-Mom?"
Melissa's eyes widened. "Ana," she whispered.
"Hold me," Ana cried.
Melissa's eyes filled with tears as she sat up, opening her arms wide.
"Oh, Ana," she said. "Come here, sweetheart."
Ana climbed into the bed. She dropped her blanket and pressed herself into Melissa's embrace. Melissa wrapped her arms around her tightly.
"You'll never be alone," Melissa whispered, her cheek resting against Ana's hair.
"I promise you, Ana. Never again."
Creak.
The door to the chamber creaked open, and Altro stepped inside, his dark presence commanding attention. He closed the door behind him and approached, holding a letter out toward me.
"Grand Regent," he said quietly.
I took the letter, breaking the seal swiftly. Unfolding it, I read Adrian's words, his familiar handwriting still legible despite the haste.
------------------------------
Dear Grand Regent Tal,
I hope this letter finds you well. The battle of Kima has left me wounded, and I regret to inform you that I now have only one arm. The delay in my response was due to my condition, and for that, I apologize.
I must also address the matter of Barta. It was the Emperor of Wara who unleashed an ice dragon in an attempt to escape, but the dragon went too far and attacked Barta. This goes against the Varvensi Agreement, and it leaves Wara vulnerable to dire consequences. I will follow your command, but I urge you to consider the full ramifications of this. I hope we can resolve this matter without further bloodshed.
On a separate note, I must inform you that my situation is complicated. I am in the midst of significant civil unrest, as I have begun transitioning the Empire into a republic. These changes are causing instability, and it will likely be some time before I am able to respond more thoroughly. I ask for your patience during this period.
In the meantime, I send you two books I have written during the course of my reflection: "Of Lions and Serpents," and "The Lion, the Serpent, and the Spirit Within." These works are being published and distributed in as many cities as possible. I hope they offer some insight into my thoughts and the larger conflicts at hand.
I wish you time, Grand Regent, and I trust we will speak again soon once things settle.
In the Lion we trust,
Chancellor of Pallas.
Adrian Kundra
-------------------------
I set the letter down, my fingers lingering on the parchment as I processed the words.
"The Emperor of Wara... releasing an ice dragon," I murmured, my mind already racing through the possible outcomes.
Altro's eyes were sharp, awaiting my response. I looked up at him. "The situation in Ahk is growing worse," I said slowly, the weight of Adrian's message pressing on me.
"A republic, civil unrest... it could be a long time before he's able to help us with Rali."
Altro nodded. "What will you do next, Grand Regent?"
I took a deep breath, my gaze hardening. "First, we need to confirm the details of this attack. If Wara has broken the agreement, there will be consequences."
Altro gave a firm nod. "Understood. I'll await your orders."
Maranona: Fiction
1216-12-31
Mary Elephon:
Flip !
As I turned the pages of Of Lions and Serpents by Adrian Kundra, I thought about the king's reputation. Many called him the worst king of Pallas, but I felt differently. Known as the One-Armed King, his story was far more complex than his critics cared to admit.
My uncle had recently brought me the sequel. Though technically, I wasn't supposed to know about it yet. The first book supposedly details the aftermath of the war between Wara and Ahk. It even describes battles from years past, where dragons were unleashed, violating the Varvensi Agreement.
The book delves into Adrian's faith in the Lion and how he allegedly used its power to defeat a dragon. If true, it would mark the first recorded instance of a human killing a dragon. A story many consider fiction, with Wara remaining as silent as ever.
If proven true, this story could spark a world war, as the use of dragons in battle defies everything humanity stands for. Countries like Shatar, with their formidable sand dragons, or Tobe, with their Vantors, would pose a serious threat. The Varvensi Agreement, enacted on January 12, 1200, had outlawed dragons in warfare, along with other restrictions meant to maintain peace.
As I flipped through the pages, a line caught my attention:
"Oh, Lion, grant me your strength."
And then, the scene described was breathtaking. A white energy encasing Adrian like armor. A brilliant sword descended, and the dragons recoiled as if in pain. Later, Adrian would name this power the "Lion's Armor." He considered calling it "Kundra" to honor his legacy but ultimately decided against it.
"We have been given the authority to trample upon the serpents."
"Hello," a familiar voice greeted me as I looked up. It was the attendant I'd come to know so well. She smiled gently. "The store's closing soon," she said softly.
This bookstore was a haven, with shelves lined with hundreds of books, each with its own purpose and story. The candles above flickered, casting a warm, steady glow over the rows of shelves. There was a comfortable hum in the silence that filled the place, a quiet I'd grown accustomed to. It felt like a small tragedy that it was closing. I'd grown so fond of it.
I stretched, feeling my legs ache from sitting too long. Rubbing my eyes, I made my way over to the marble counter at the heart of the bookstore, with the attendant following close behind.
She had chestnut-brown hair and silver eyes that shimmered slightly in the candlelight, a strange brightness that always seemed to glow. I held up the book I'd chosen.
"How much, Var, for this one?" I asked her.
She gave me a kind smile. "I know you can't afford it, Mary. Take it. Consider it a gift," she replied.
I hugged her, sensing her own sadness as she prepared to close down the shop. As I left, I saw a small sign outside: "By order of King Milton, this Ramona's Books is closed."
My dark blonde hair flowed in the wind as I stepped onto the cobblestone path outside. I took a deep breath. Turning back, I watched as guards entered the bookstore. The attendant stood by, restrained as they seized books Milton had deemed "unfit."
"Good thing I got out when I did," I thought, gripping the book close. "They might try to take it, too."
I continued down the empty street as the sun sank toward the west, casting a warm, red-orange glow over the buildings. Not many people were out at this hour. In Perez, only adults filled the taverns and shops, spending their evenings in laughter, drinks, and conversation, all thanks to Milton's strict decrees on who could roam at night.
I walked carefully, doing my best not to draw attention to myself. On the wall, a sign caught my eye:
"Eleanor has agreed to take in our criminals, as we are overrun."
Feeling wary, I pulled my hood over my face, blending into the quiet streets as my skirt swayed with the wind. Step by step, I finally reached home without any guards noticing me.
My house was modest but cozy, with a small fireplace nestled in the corner, giving the space a warm glow. I even had a room of my own, a precious bit of privacy. As I opened the door, my little brother ran up to greet me.
"Theo ... how are you?" he whispered, excitement clear in his eyes.
"Shhh, Theo," I replied softly, sneaking through the entryway. "I don't want Mom to know I left."
He nodded, his voice a quiet murmur. "Okay," he said, stepping back as I tried to slip past him and up the stairs.
Inside, the house was filled with familiar sounds and scents. Mom was in the kitchen, her short dark blonde hair tucked behind her ears, stirring a pot of stew. Her violet eyes caught a glimpse of Theo lingering in the hallway.
"Theo, what are you doing?" she called, turning from the stove.
"Nothing, Mom!" he replied quickly, his eyes wide as he glanced over at me with a grin.
My father nor my sister were home yet, likely finishing their work. I slipped up the stairs to my room on the second floor, the only room I'd ever called mine, a safe space I felt nervous about leaving.
My room is simple but comfortable. I have a cozy bed in the corner, piled with soft blankets that I loved to jump onto. A small wooden desk sat against the wall, with a new, unlit candle on it that made me pause. I didn't put a new candle here.
Did Mom do it? Does she know I went out?
My notebook and pen lay nearby, waiting for the next entry of thoughts I'd scribble down before bed. In the corner, a small, neatly wrapped box with my name on it caught my eye. "For Mary Elephon. Open at Venedoma. From Alex Elephon." A gift from my uncle that he'd insisted I wait to open.
The room was mostly empty, except for the three bags I'd packed earlier, the notebook, and that mysterious present.
I changed into more comfortable clothes, then went back downstairs where the warm candlelight danced across the walls, illuminating the room in a soft, golden glow. Mom was still cooking, stirring with steady hands as I approached.
"Hey, Mom," I greeted her, trying to mask my nervousness.
Without turning, she said in a steady voice, "Maria Elephon… what did I say about leaving too late?"
I bit my lip. "I'm sorry, Mom. I panicked, but I had to get the book before they closed."
She shook her head, sighing. "You're still reading that work of fiction?"
"Yes," I replied, smiling slightly. "I love the part where Adrian meets Lilian and the first fight of the war. It's a shame what happened."
Mom nodded, still stirring. "As long as you know it's fictional. Just don't go gloating about it at Venadoma."
"I won't," I promised. "I'll keep it secret."
"Did you finish packing at least?" she asked, finally glancing at me with a raised eyebrow, though her attention soon returned to the pot.
"Yes, I finished before I left."
Ever since King Milton outlawed books like this, it'd been harder to find them. Luckily, the store's attendant had tipped me off about this copy, and my uncle had managed to get me the second part, The Lion, the Serpent, and the Spirit Within. Well it's in the present that I definitely haven't opened
Before my mom could say anything else, we heard the sound of hinges creaking. I ran to the door and saw my father standing there, holding bags of food. Beside him was my sister.
My father had dark black hair and deep black eyes, his face set in a steady, weathered expression. He wore his silver armor, which gleamed faintly in the dim evening light. My sister stood beside him, her long hair a striking yellow-blonde. She'd once had black hair, just like father, but after becoming a Holy Knight, it had changed, taking on the hue of the lightning she could now wield. She wore armor too, her breastplate and greaves a bold combination of blue and yellow. A long cape flowed behind her, the fabric catching in the slight breeze as they stepped inside.
Despite being a year younger than me, my sister was accepted into Venadoma at 14 and became a Holy Knight by 16. The fastest recorded pact in history.
"Is Alex going to make it?" I asked, looking from my father to my sister.
They exchanged a heavy glance before my sister replied gently, "Our uncle was killed in Tobe, fighting for a better cause."
I felt tears rise to my eyes, but I blinked them back, trying to stay strong. My father looked troubled, his expression darkening, and he quietly went to his room to change, my mother following close behind, giving me a quick glance before leaving.
My sister passed by as well, her cape billowing slightly as she disappeared down the hallway. Left alone in the kitchen, I turned back to finish preparing dinner.
Mom had been cooking a rich stew. The smell of carrots, onions, and seasoned meat filled the air. I stirred the stew slowly, watching the broth thicken.
The family gathered around the table, the savory stew steaming in each bowl. My father glanced around, his expression softening as he looked at each of us.
"I'm sorry for working so many hours lately," he began, his voice weary but hopeful. "But if I keep at it, I might be a general soon. Then we can afford a better house."
"Really?" I asked, a smile tugging at my lips. "That would be wonderful, Dad."
He nodded, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. Across from me, my sister was already eating the stew. I turned to her, eager to hear about her recent journeys.
"How was Venedoma, Lucia?" I asked.
She set her spoon down, swallowing her food before answering. "It was good, actually. Just remember, don't say anything… treasonous,"
She added, "Keep that book to yourself, and you'll do fine."
"Listen to your sister, Maria!" My father chuckled.
"If you do happen to say something foolish," Lucia continued, a grin tugging at the corner of her mouth, "I can always bail you out. Just don't do anything too reckless."
I nodded, taking her advice seriously. I was about to respond when I accidentally tipped my spoon, spilling stew onto the table.
"Maria.. remember your manners at Venadoma," she said gently.
I tried to shrug it off, giving her a playful look. "I'm 18 today."
She crossed her arms, unimpressed. "You're still my daughter."
WHOOSH
A gust of wind swept through the room. Snuffing out the candles. Lucia raised her hand, and with a flick of her fingers, a small spark of electricity reignited them.
"When does the carriage to Venadoma Academy come?" Theo asked.
"Today," I replied with a smile.
"Today?" Lucia gasped, the realization hitting her all at once. "Time really flies."
Knock. Knock.
We finished our meal, and I couldn't help but glance around the table. After clearing the dishes, we heard a knock on the door. I grabbed my bags, and as I stepped outside, I was met by two knights dressed in the same blue and yellow armor as Lucia. They opened the door of the waiting carriage, the light of dawn casting a golden glow over it.
My family stood together by the door, waving, and I felt a small smile.
I was leaving, yet on the path to becoming a Holy Knight.