The boy was only two, but something about him always felt older than his years. His name was Shaurya Malhan, the only child of the esteemed House Malhan—one of the four noble bloodlines that stood beneath the royal family of Solmaria, a peaceful yet proud nation built upon ancient magic, honor, and tradition.
Instead of reading a children book, he reads books of literature, history or other books read by his father. His father thought that the child is playing and only seeing images of book but he was understanding it. He also understood that this world has magic system and grimoire are required to cast spells and somehow he felt familiar.
One day,
In the sunlit marble courtyard of the Malhan Region, a five-year-old girl scrubbed the back of a very red-faced Shaurya. She hummed softly, unaware—or perhaps pretending not to notice—how flustered he looked.
"Turn around," she said cheerfully, splashing a bit of water over his shoulder.
"I don't want to," Shaurya muttered, trying to shrink himself.
Her name was Kanak Das—head butler's grand-daughter who had been raised within the estate as one of the household's own. Though young, she was wise beyond her years and fiercely protective of Shaurya, treating him more like a little brother than a noble heir.
"You're acting like a grown-up already," she teased. "Most kids your age would be throwing water at me, not blushing like a tomato."
Shaurya didn't know why he felt shy. Wasn't that odd?
By the time, Shaurya turned four years he started having strange dreams. He saw a dream of girl having feather on her back.
So, next morning he asked to his father about it. His father's name is Ashvik Malhan who is a man of steel and discipline—the Lord of House Malhan and High Commander of Solmaria's western borders. Though his armor rarely left his side, and his face was hardened by duty, he loved his son deeply—though he showed it more through action than words. He told that there are various legends and stories about winged creatures in local folktales or in children's book. But it is believed to be a myth.
His wife, Lady Isha Malhan, a renowned healer, scholar, and enchantress of the royal court, she had given up her position to raise Shaurya within the protective walls of their estate. Her presence filled the halls with calm, and her laughter was said to heal any types of wounds. She was given the title of "The Ultimate Healer".
Shaurya began learning the history of Solmaria, its noble lines, and the basics of elemental magic from the books in the library of Malhan family.
The Nation of Solmaria
Solmaria was a land of sunlight, peace, and ancient secrets. Nestled between towering mountains and rivers, it was ruled by a royal family.
Beneath the royal family stood four noble houses:
1. House of Chauhan – Known for giving efficient and experienced knights to the royal family
2. House of Malhan – Known for Scholars and well known magic users.
3. House of Solanki – Known for taming powerful spirits.
4. House of Rathore – Known for theirs assassination skills and their extreme loyalty for royal family.
Malhan House was well known for their efficiency in casting various spells. Shaurya, as the only heir, carried immense expectations. Yet, despite the politics that awaited him, it was the dreams that haunted his path.
Night after night, he dreamt of the same winged girl—her voice soft, her presence haunting. Sometimes, she smiled at him. Other times, she wept. And on the darkest nights, she struck him down with sorrow in her eyes.
Naren, the head butler.
He was a tall, lean man in his early sixties, with silver hair combed neatly back and eyes that seemed to weigh the truth behind every word spoken. No one knew where he came from.
Now, he served House Malhan.
To Shaurya, Naren became more than just a butler. He was teaching Kanak and Shaurya, about various fighting skills and survival techniques.