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Chapter 1 - The Knight of Black

Have you ever felt incomplete,

Feeling utter despair all the time,Feeling worthless and unloved even though you may have constant reminders of what love and being whole truly is!?

Unfortunately, that's me !

Born from a noble family, in the city Of Oklahet, One would think I have it all.

Of course if they are basing on the fact that my family is highly influential and the first in position among the great six families that govern the six lands,I guess in that case I can't really blame anyone from thinking that.

It turned out that even my family's vast wealth couldn't fill the hole that I felt!

My name is Eric Patrov and this is my story.The story of how I brought darkness to the world and those I purged!.

It was a bright early morning. The sun was golden and the birds were chirping as the breeze embraced the beautiful scape of Oklahet. A dazzling city in the north of the first land.

The city was a splendid site ,having a small town at the north east outskirt.The city itself was a magnificent spectacle but this north eastern town was somewhat of its own tier.

It was simply the epitome of class, a haven simply refined for elegance.

In this top tier town of Bedkart, the first family of the First land resided.The Patrovs had situated their manor in this particular part of the city.A dwelling with unrivalled views perched atop a mountain.

The mountain Delmore was high and mighty,having three great peaks and considered a citadel by many.On the central peak perched the grand manor Elfaree. A majestic site hidden by the mountain ,shielded by two outer peaks that were somewhat taller than the central peak on which the manor was positioned.From each of the two great outer peaks of the mountain , a waterfall cascaded down .Flowing with the purest of water in the land.The first waterfall whose peak was facing west of north was called Elgaset and the other whose peak was facing east of north was called Eltrome.

Elfaree ,the Patrov grand manor was a fine establishment of a mansion.It was five stories high,effortlessly seeming to touch the sky ,adorned with a vintage touch and elaborate pictorial facades.The manor consisted intricate stone carvings and splendid bay windows. Its architecture simply hinted at a bygone era with luxurious entrances ,eminently drawing towards a golden interior.

A sharp' rap, rap' echoed through the silence.

"Young master !Young master! It is my utmost concern that you arose.Today is the day that you come of age. Preparations must be made"

A middle aged man dressed in an impeccably tailored suit ,presenting a polished and professional appearance spoke by the door.

On the other side of the door, a young lad of golden hair yawned as he arose.

"Yes Mr.Gantly! I will be right there " he said as he went away from his bedding, making effort to approach the door.

A soft creak mixed with a smooth swing was heard,as the door opened ajar.

Good morning Young Master!

Said Mr.Gantly as he went ahead to make his way into the bedroom chambers along with three housemaidens.

Good morning Mr. Gantly he replied.

Ok,ladies it is your sole duty that the young master is ready for his twelfth birthday.

The two of you should fix his room and Kasandra, you're incharge of his garment .Do away with his used clothing and give word to the house tailor to create him something more fitting for the occasion.

I trust that you can handle your own baths young master.

"But of course, Mr. Gantly!"

He replied as he made his way to the showers.

Now that that's sorted. I should make haste to the young lady. She too must look her best.Gantly spoke as he walked away.

'Spritz' the drops splashed falling naturally to the ground.

A gentle enveloping patter encased with a soft gurgle of multiple jets was heard with a subtle aroma of luxury bath products .The space was designed with elegant marble enhancing the sensory experience.

The young lad had a sun-kissed skin tone that simply highlighted his golden hair.His eyes were mesmerising with an oceanic blue beauty.

His lips were supple ,perfectly proportioned and coral hued.He stood about five feet four inches ,having features only sculpted by a master craftsman.

'Squish'

Enshrouded in the lingering mist,a figure emerged from the steam-laced sanctuary, the ritual of ablution complete.

With deliberate grace, he traversed the threshold, progressing towards the private domain, where the meticulous process of adornment awaited within the adjoining vestiary.

"It seems like the ladies are gone and done,I better get ready then."

The young lad pondered as he stared down at his newly tailored ensembles.

Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!

Tramps resounded through the opulent corridor, each deliberate tread proclaimed the soldier's advance.

His scabbard,clutching the formidable sword, producing a subtle, metallic candence, a counterpoint to the hushed grandeur of the royal passage. Undeterred, he pressed onward, a solitary figure bound for the royal chambers.

"My Lord!"

"Sir Relvus the Black is in our midist, he is back from his two month voyage,he says that he wishes to have an audience with you my liege, regarding the matter of the lands and the invitations that were sent forth to all the five Lords.He urges that the matter is exigent."said the Lord's guard.

"Let him in"

Said the first Lord.

My sovereign, all the invitations you entrusted me with,were personally handed to all the five Lords by me,and as you instructed, I made sure I was aware whether the lord's were to come or not.

The second Lord ,the third the fifth and sixth all declared their arrival today.

Then what's the matter?

For I see the letters have been delivered.

"Sir Relvus, I presume you did not call for an audience just to inform me about invitations."

Said the first Lord.

No,my sovereign, I carry a communique from the Lord of the fourth Land.

He decreed that it should see your eyes and your eyes only.

"It's sealed! "said one of the Lord's guards as he went ahead to hand over the sealed letter to the First Lord.

"All of you!leave us this instance!"

What's the meaning of this Sir Relvus?

What reason must the fourth Lord have to evade my invitation?

My sovereign, all that I could cognise is that he wanted you to personally look into that information.

And yes!

He did beseech that I convey this!

"Anchor your credence in the steadfast,for the multitude is a fickle tide."

The atmosphere within the chamber congealed,a palpable tableau of disbelief. A collective breath was abruptly inhaled, suspended in perpetual stasis,as the profounding truth permeated the space, shattering the preceding tranquility. Alaric was deeply taken aback.

Nevertheless, he went ahead to open the letter.

A strangled gasp escaped his lips,barely perceptible but echoing with the weight of shattered reality as he read it to the dot.

The revelation presented a stark dichotomy, irrevocably fragmenting the very fabric of his subjective construct.

A palpable shudder coursed through Alaric's frame, having a visceral response to the unfolding revelation.

Relvus...the first Lord paused, his gaze holding his servant's.A silent understanding passed between them, a clandestine truth postponed,their words hanging in the air, heavy with implication.

The silent compact concluded, the weight of the unspoken dissipating into the air.Breaking the profound stillness,

Relvus's voice cut clear and resolute.

"Yes, my sovereign."

VROOOOM...VROOOOM... a constant, powerful reverberation...VROOOOM... the sounds intensified and continuously propagated...SKREEEET... a momentary screech as tires met concrete, followed by the continuous

VROOM... a final, diminishing roar faded into the distance.

Alaric Patrov, had departed from the locus of his administrative duties, the distinguished noble man's convoy, spearheaded by the commanding Bugatti Chiron Super Sport, executed a seamless, precise halt upon the cobblestone driveway.As he emerged, with an air of composed authority, the ambient glow of the porte-coche`re accentuated his commanding presence, a vivid tableau of inherent nobility and profound responsibility, signalling his return to his cherished haven.

A profound languor suffused the ambient air. The world cloaked in somnolent embrace.A tapestry of serenity, unfolded where the passage of moments was but a whispered symphony.Each particle suspended in contemplative repose.

He returned, a figure of elegant command, to his ancestral seat.The manor, a monolithic masterpiece of architectural opulence,loomed with imposing majesty.Its facade, adorned with intricate detailing, reflecting the luminiscence of the twilight glow.The expansive grounds, meticulously curated, unfolded like a verdant canvas, a testament to unwavering grandeur.

Along the elongated driveway,the magnificent convoy advanced with measured grace.The grand gates, colossal and ornate, parted with a stately reverence, granting passage to the high lord.The ambient atmosphere imbued with palpable anticipation, a prelude to the magnificent home coming.

Awaiting his arrival at the forecourt,stood a respectful assembly of the household retinue, led by the distinguished butler, Mr.Gantly.

A symphony of warm welcome commenced, a harmonious display of deference and devoted service.Subsequently, they imparted pertinent information regarding the scions.

In due course, they apprised him of the impeding celebration marking the felicitous coming of age of his scions.

The revelation was presented with a refined deference, whereupon he was ceremoniously ushered along to embrace the ensuing festivities.

As, Alaric the thirteenth high lord of the Malla talked about with his house retinue ,concerning ceremonial preparations, a hush of anticipation descended.Soon his wife, a vision of ethereal beauty would grace the entrance.

"I think this will do!"

The young master, Eric Patrov thought to himself as he stared at his reflection, dressed in a black and golden tailored suit,complemented with a similar coloured tie of intricate embroidery.

"Looking splendid my dear," a figure suggested from a distance, with a voice as soothing as the sea.

Approaching the boy from where he stood, observing him with such benevolence.

A woman who appeared to be of a rather high status, stared at Eric with pride.She had beautifully styled poxy brown hair,her eyes were brown and gorgeous, her facial features were proportionate and her smile was like the sunrise.She possessed a bronzed skin complexion , a slender body and visible curves.

"Thank you mother", Eric replied as he smiled back.

"But you must fix your tie dear "

she said as she took the liberty to adjust it.

Well, I personally wanted to call you down for breakfast. And so here I am.

I guess we should take our leave then,

Adelaide is waiting downstairs.

"But what about father?"

Eric asked.

Your father will be joining us shortly, I personally insisted I was to fetch each of you for breakfast today,incase you're wondering about Mr. Gantly.

Ok, down we go then!

Chop Chop!

The morning was crisp as the young master and his mother , dressed in noble attire ,decsended down the grand staircase.Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the opulent decor.

Anticipation built as they approached the dining hall, where the warmth of breakfast and family connection awaited.

"My Lady, please allow me see to it that the scions are fed!" A member of the house retinue suggested ,taking Eric to his seat at the table where he was just a few inches from his sister.

"You have my gratitude, Kasandra!"

Lady Josephine remarked.

"Kasandra,Is the high lord of the Malla in our midist this morning?"

Yes ! My lady, he is with my father and the rest of the retinue as we speak.

"Well then,I shall see to that then!"Lady Josephine muttered.

Eric, Adelaide! behave yourselves while I'm gone! Don't give the kind lady any trouble!

"Yes mother"they both replied.

Sunlight filtered through the meticulously curated gardens,where the high lord discussed household affairs with his retinue, their voices a discreet murmur amidist the manicured pathways.The air, fragrant with blossoms, enhancing the sense of tranquil privilege.An ambiance with a sense of quiet purpose, until a new presence made itself known.Lady Josephine approached, her arrival an elegant punctuation to the unfolding moment, her presence a graceful addition to the picturesque setting.

As Lady Josephine approached, a respectful pause fell over the group.The retinue immediately recognised her, offering respectful bows and stepping aside to provide space.This granted the couple time, to discuss the day's matters privately before proceeding to the dining hall for breakfast.

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the grand dining hall, illuminating the lavish table where the family gathered for breakfast.Alaric, the patriach presided with calm grace, while Lady Josephine shared pleasantries with their children, Adelaide and Eric.The atmosphere was one of cheerful domesticity, each member enjoying the start of the day.

Suddenly, a moment of unexpected disruption:a spill of vibrant ketchup dropped onto Eric's collar, stark against his neck.The atmosphere shifted but only fleetingly ,as cheerful reactions and lighthearted concern prevailed.Staff members quickly intervened, whisking Eric away for a change of clothes and the harmonious breakfast resumed.

The breakfast resumed, but the family was left rather concerned why Eric was not yet back.

Alaric suggested that Mr.Gantly should check on him since the staff had given him a change of clothes some time back,But Adelaide persisted that it should be her,saying that she knows him better than Mr. Gantly .

Lady Josephine agreed, understanding the bond that they share, Adelaide then gracefully departed from the table.The family continued their breakfast, a slight pause in the morning's rythm but confident in Adelaide's return.

The scene transitioned to Eric's bedroom chambers, a space of quiet opulence.Standing before the mirror, clad in a freshly tailored ensemble chosen from the day's selection.Yet, as he gazed at his reflection a subtle discomfort began to nag at him, a creeping unease.His gaze fell upon his collar, where a sharp, clear pain suddenly flared around his neck.He leaned closer to the mirror, horror dawning as he discoverd his neck was oozing blood.

In a surge of fear, he tried to wipe it away, a desperate action that only exaceberated the bleeding. His heart pounded with frantic rythm, the sound echoing in his ears.

Suddenly, the refulgent lighting in the room dimmed,plunging the chamber into an eerie twilight. Confused and terrified, Eric attempted fleeing the bedroom, but his legs were paralysed with fear.

He was then confronted by a chilling vision:a man dressed in dark soldiered gear making an attack towards a young lad, a lad that appeared to be himself. The Knight of black quickly beheaded the lad, but as the head dropped ,Eric realised that it was nothing but a terrifying vision.

The lighting normalised, returning him to the scene where he stared at his neck and touched his collar.

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