Date: 18th Tempestia, 1763 (Starday)
Time: 8:27 PM
Location: Great Hall, Stormgarde Mansion, Kingdom of Stormgarde
{
The Great Hall of the kingdom, a bastion of splendor and history, was alive with jubilation. Under the vaulted ceilings, the air was thick with the scent of blooming sea starlumes and the soft glow of a hundred lights. At the heart of this grandeur hung colossal chandeliers, their crystals casting light that mirrored the stars in the night sky.
On this momentous night, the Hall was a witness to a celebration of life itself, as the kingdom rejoiced in the birth of the King's granddaughter. The walls, etched with the tales of antiquity, seemed to whisper in approval.
At the far end of the Hall, a majestic staircase unfurled like the tail of a great mythical beast. It was more than mere stone and mortar; it was a bridge between the realms of royalty and their adoring subjects. This grand staircase, adorned with red velvet and gilded edges, split into two elegant pathways halfway down, each a mirror of the other, converging into a singular, magnificent descent.
Where the stairways met, under the watchful eyes of the kingdom's ancestors, laid the path of entrance for the royal family. The balcony, a testament to the artistry of a bygone era, offered a panoramic view of the festivities.
Directly across from this elevated platform, the Great Hall's entrance stood imposingly, its doors open wide like the arms of the kingdom itself, welcoming esteemed guests from far and wide. Each arrival was announced with a flourish, adding to the symphony of the celebration.
Dominating the space where the staircases merged, a colossal portrait of the kingdom's founder gazed down upon the revelry. Framed in gold that caught the light with every flicker of candle and chandelier, it was as if the founder, himself, was partaking in the joy of his descendants. The portrait, a masterful blend of shadow and light, was a silent guardian to the legacy he had built.
In this hall, the past and present danced together, a celebration not just of a new life, but of a kingdom that had stood the test of time, a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.
}
Kalkin's POV:
Okay, let's review everything once before I approach the Principal. I'll first greet him, he'll greet me back, I'll ask him how he is and so and so on. Knowing him well enough, he will then ask me the same questions, and thanks to Mohini, I know that there is a rumor spreading about me in the Academy. Knowing his nature, he will ask me about it and will try to make sure that I'm alright and doing fine. That's when I'll try to guilt-trip him into helping me. I know it's wrong to do such a thing, however, I need his help if I want to save the students during the upcoming trip and this will be my final chance to talk to him before he departs to preside over the meeting of the kings or popularly known as "THE ROUNDTABLE".
Okay, Calm down Kalkin, and take a deep breath, the Principal is still busy with other people, so you need to wait for the right time.
Just as I was doing all the possible scenario combinations in my head, what to do, how to approach him, and all that, that's when trumpets started playing and the doors of the main hall opened up:
The messenger arrived, his chest heaving as if he just run a marathon: "Lords and Ladies, esteemed guests and noble kin, Let the trumpets sound soar high, The Protector and Master of the Kingdom of Celestia, The Vajra, along with his daughter, the princess of Celestia, have arrived to grace us with his presence,"
As the final note of proclamation reverberated through the hall, that's when I saw her, Mohini, no, the real Mohini, as she walked graciously along with her father, side by side, his hand so much bigger than hers, delicately handling her.
Suddenly, my entire view came to a standstill, my world narrowed to a single point of focus, It was as if I was hypnotized by her mere presence, I wanted to approach her but my feet, wait, am I frozen? Why am I unable to speak anything? I was just mesmerized by her presence,
The thick strands of her hair, a cascade of dark, resting pridefully on her side, draped elegantly over her shoulder, wearing the traditional attire of Celestia, it was as if an Apsara just landed from heaven, well, even that would nothing be compared to the truth.
Since the start of the semester, we sat next to each other and attended classes, and neither did I speak much nor did she, Yes, I found her beautiful but since coming into this world and starting living my life as Railan, I found every person to be beautiful here, she had that "cuteness" but from my point of view as an avid reader of this Fantasy novel before I became a part of it, I always felt that I need to be "on-guard" when I am next to her, it's because of her "overly-calm and innocent" attitude at the Academy, and that's why I kept her and everyone else but especially her, since I know about her special ability to read thoughts and emotions, for lack of the better word "at an arm's length" as I don't want anyone to find out I am not the "old Railan" anymore.
I don't know if it's me or the Railan within me or it's just me being seventeen, that I somehow find her to be really, really attractive. Today, I don't know why I find her beauty to be genuine and real, somehow talking about it again and again is making me feel "addicted", I don't know if it's supposed to be true but my brain suggests me to look at a different direction or talk with other people but my eyes they just keep on coming back to her. I know there is nothing in my drink and no spell is being cast otherwise SCAN and/or THE POKER FACE would have automatically activated. Maybe, it's the nerves, or maybe it's the combination of everything, the nerves as well as the surroundings, the environment, and of course, that whole trumpet sound that blew my ears.
Railan, focus, focus on your task at hand, there are more important things to worry about right now, focus, shit, shit, where did the Professor go? He was just here, where did he go?
I need to find him, I need to find him fast! Did he go outside?
I started looking around for Principal Adolas, it was as if he vanished from the meeting, I looked around the entire hall and couldn't find him, how could he just vanish when he had been here mere moments ago? Did he leave before The Royal family of Stormgarde made an appearance? That's not possible!
{ Some time passed! }
Shit, I still couldn't find him, I still don't know where he went!
Wait, Principal Adolas also has an AI, hey, Aria you listening to me? I am talking to you Aria, are you listening to me?
"WHAT is it, Master Railan, I am enjoying my time with Cerci, what do you want?"
"Can you locate, Principal Adolas's AI, last time you told me that you have a sort of "link" with her?
Ya, I can try but it was just for a moment and then the "link" broke! So I am not sure if it was an AI really, I just couldn't think of any other being to have such similarity to me!
Still, try maybe, then I can find Principal Adolas!
"Wait, you lost him? didn't you say that you found him and will be talking to him?
Ya, but then something happened and I kind of lost him?" I can't tell her that I was just frozen by the arrival of Mohini!
"Well, if you say so, I can try to feel that "link" once again?"
Sure, tell me as soon as you find something!"
"Oh, one more thing, where are you all? Farkas and Cerci?"
"Ahh, well Farkas is outside, he just said that "he smelled something, earlier" and Cerci is talking to other maids of different households that have gathered today"
"Oh, ok, you focus on finding the "link", 'kay"
"As you say, Master Railan"
----------------------------------------
{Meanwhile, at an underground area ....}
"Adolas Frostguard, The Man leading the world of today, well, that's what everyone says about you isn't it?"
"Mightiest Weapon of Celestia, Rudraksha, THE VAJRA, well people do seem to forget your real name!"
"You do know the customs and traditions of Celestia, Adolas, don't act surprised, you do know that once someone becomes Vajra, they give up willingly, everything, from their names, ancestry, and even their life to the protection of the people of Celestia"
"Yes, yes, I know, now don't be so defensive, I respect your customs and your sacrifices but I am really happy to see that you do have something you cherish, Mohini, she has a lot of potential, my old friend"
"That's why, despite the protests, I am sending her to learn from the best"
Both of them smile, as they reminisce, about how long has it been since they last met.
"Adolas, as much as I enjoy our conversations, you do know that I am not good with illusion magic, Mohini will soon find out that I am not there and I don't want to worry her, so let's discuss shall we!"
"Ahh, sometimes, I also wish, I should have started a family, when I had the chance, but let's focus on the matter at hand"
"So, what do you know about the "secret meeting" that will happen later tonight"
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
"Well, it's pretty much, boring chatter, the usual, talks like how you don't let those old heads do as they please, and all that boring stuff, we have heard hundreds of times, however, there is one interesting thing, this time, they are bringing someone new, they call him "the man with the light", I don't know who he is, what he looks like and what he wants, anything and everything about him is a mystery, except the fact that there is a group that follows him"
"The man with the light" Wait wouldn't that be ... me?" asked a confused Vajra.
"No, they are not talking about the lightening aspect of yours, "they mean he knows the truth and will guide people in darkness towards the light"
"Okay, okay but what does that have to do with my kingdom, and why do those old tribal heads want to have a meeting with him?"
"That's what we hope to find, today, however, out of all the kingdoms in the world, yours is a unique one, you do understand that right!"
"Ya, ya, you have told me thousands of times, how much you admire my kingdom, how you call it "a vision for the future", and all that"
"I don't think you understand, let me make it simpler, your Kingdom is the only one to ever have a "prophecy" and a unification and then division of power, no one in your kingdom has absolute authority unlike others, that's why it's difficult for one person to start something big but what if they join hands with a person with enough power to topple the very basis of your kingdom, don't you think, it would disrupt the balance of the entire world"
"I understand the scope but wouldn't it be easy to disrupt other kingdoms why go through so much trouble against my people, especially?"
"Inner conflict within your kingdom is as visible as the sun to anyone sitting on the top, maybe people living their daily lives do not know about it, while it's difficult to approach your kingdom as a whole, it's also easy for a person with enough power to single out an individual and overpower him. Though it will be difficult to overpower you, the strongest living being in the entirety of the Continent, however, with enough people willing to do it, nothing is impossible and so as soon as you are gone, I get singled out, The OCTAGON, gets singled out, without THE OCTAGON, the kingdoms fall into disarray and soon the time before the Octagon, is repeated all over again"
"Some people admire strength, some worship it, some take it as a challenge, some fear it whereas a few despise it, often the combination of the last two is enough to drive people to insanity"
"I understand what you are saying Adolas so what do we do? Should I just kill all the tribal heads and their followers?"
"No, don't do that, unnecessary killing will only further us from our goals and you will be branded as a traitor who couldn't honor his sacred oath, making it inevitably easier for them"
"Then what should we do?"
"Observe, today, we'll only observe and find any details we can!"
"hannhhh, just when I thought, I'd get some exercise!"
Both of them slowly hide as Adolas Casts his stealth and illusion spell on them to mimic the surroundings and become part of it as they look closely at the preparations happening for the underground meeting.
----------------------------------------
{ Sometime later...}
Railan's POV:
"So why were you looking at me like that" asked Mohini, as she approached me!
"Wait, what do you mean?"
"Don't act now, I saw you looking at me when I entered the hall, and to be honest, you looked kinda dumb" she said without a moment of hesitation
Frankly, I might have been, I don't know, I don't want to think about it again"
"Well, I am not anymore, so you can enjoy yourself," I said trying hard not to look into her eyes and focus on my drink.
"Don't be like that, you are the only person I know, the rest of them don't interest me as such," she said looking straight at me.
I don't know how to respond to that, someone quickly say something,
"Master, master, I don't know how to say this?"
"What, what do you mean, Aria?" I asked her in my head, I was kind of relieved to hear her voice
"Master, it feels as if some sort of magic is cast in the surroundings, I can feel that "link" everywhere, and yet no-where, I know it makes no sense, I can feel it but am not able to pinpoint it exactly"
"Hmm, no need to worry Aria, take your time, Principal Adolas must have done it, slowly, try to pinpoint the location!"
"As you wish, Master,"
"Hey, are you even listening to me?" asked Mohini, clearly frustrated!
Just as I was about to say something to her, that's when the sound of royal trumpets started playing again, then came the messenger informing, " Lords and Ladies, esteemed guests and noble kin prepare your hearts and your eyes for the sovereign grace of our kingdom."
{
The King, with a pride that seemed to outshine even the grandest chandelier, led his family onto the balcony that jutted out like a ship's prow over the sea of faces below. First to descend the grand staircase was the king, a figure of unwavering strength and regal poise. His cloak, a tapestry of deep sapphire interwoven with silver threads, flowed behind him like a river of stars. The crown upon his head, a marvel of craftsmanship and legacy, gleamed under the chandelier's light, a testament to his rule.
Behind him was Prince Salem walking with a confident stride and poise. His attire, a blend of tradition and modernity, spoke of a new era dawning under his horizon.
Finally, it was now time for the entrance of Princess Yasmine, carrying the aura of a timeless legend. Her dress, adorned with the rarest of gems, seemed to capture the very essence of the sea starlumes that perfumed the air. Her presence was a melody, a harmonious blend of beauty, wisdom, and courage. Along with her is the man known as the STORMSWORD, a figure of quiet strength and profound loyalty, cradling the newborn gently in his arms. The infant, the newest blossom in the garden of the royal lineage, was a symbol of hope, and new beginnings.
Everyone stood in awe as the Royal family came down through the entrance, exuding golden light behind them. Each individual, from the highest-ranking noble to the humblest attendant, was captivated by the moment. The nobles, adorned in their finest garments, bowed their heads slightly, their eyes shimmering with respect and a touch of envy. The musicians, momentarily ceasing their play, allowed the natural symphony of the moment to resonate through the hall. The servants, often unseen but always vigilant, paused in their duties, allowing themselves a brief moment to bask in the radiance of their rulers.
As the royal family descended the final steps and stepped onto the floor of the Great Hall, the air seemed to shimmer with the weight of the moment. The colossal portrait of the kingdom's founder looked on, its presence a silent nod across generations.
The king then raised his hand, and the hall erupted into a symphony of cheers and jubilation.
As the echoes settled down, slowly, the Princess and her partner came forward with the newborn in their hands, and that's when they whispered something in the King's ears. The assembly watched, breath held, as they leaned forward, whispering into the King's ear, The transformation on the King's face was instant and profound. Everyone could see the joy that formed on his face as he announced, "My people, as well as the esteemed guests who have visited us today to become a part of our joyous occasion, I, King Idris of Stormgarde, welcomes you with open arms," A pause, filled with nothing but the beat of a hundred hopeful hearts, then "and now, as my daughter just informed me, I present before you, Princess Nadia of Stromgarde, daughter of Yasmine and Sir Sahir StormSword bringing new hope and beginnings to our Kingdom."
The words, so simple yet so profound, echoed through the Great Hall, Finally the Celebrations started in full force, a fusion of joy, hope, and happiness.
}
While all the celebrations and naming of the newborn were going on, my eyes were captivated by a single individual beside me, well, I am lucky that her entire focus is on the King and his family, wait am I smiling while looking at her jumping in joy as the King announced the name?
Why? Even though I see musicians playing their instruments in full force and people celebrating, why am I not hearing any of those except her voice?
"Railan, Railan, hey, hey ....." As if I was brought back to reality,
"Hey, Railan, can you hear me, now?" she said her face so close to me.
"Ya, ya, .. Mohini, I hear you, nice and clear,"
"Look Prince Salem is waving at you to come forward, " I looked and there I saw him waving at me to meet him
"Will you accompany me?" I asked her
"Wait, he is calling you not me," said Mohini
"Do you want to see the baby up close?" I could see a sparkle form in her eyes as she just nodded quickly in response.
"Then allow me to hold your hand," I said as I bowed a little and extended my arm toward her, a gesture of respect and gentle invitation. Her eyes, luminous and deep, met mine and with a sudden smile, she placed her delicate hand on mine and then we started walking up to the dais, where the royal family was present.
"Let them through," said Salem as the two guards shifted on either side to allow us to pass.
There behind the royal family, amongst their entourage was Siddanth, the guard and friend of Prince Salem, Salem waved him to come with us as well.
"So, Railan and Miss Mohini, as promised to you Railan, there she is, my sister, I told you, I'll make sure you meet her"
While the King was busy attending to other people, Salem took us close to where Princess Yasmine and Sir Sahir stood holding their newborn,
"Dear Sister and brother-in-law, I want you to meet my friends, as you already know he is Siddhanth, then she is Mohini, daughter of Vajra, and finally, my guest for tonight is him, Railan Braveheart, I bowed before them as did the other two.
Sir Sahir spoke first, "Miss Mohini, it's such a pleasure to meet you, We have met just once, some time ago during a practice session between our kingdom's troops and yours, it's such a pleasure that you are here personally."
"The pleasure is all mine, Sir Sahir and Princess Yasmine, I mean, she is such a beautiful girl, it would have been my bad luck if I had missed today's event"
They all smiled,
"So you are Railan Braveheart, it must be tough, I can only imagine, however, I am so glad you also came to visit us, I once saw your father, Sir Simon, and Madam Amelia, when they came to visit us, I was very young but I can say that, you have your mother's distinct eyes and your father's hairs," said Princess Yasmine in her warm, caring and kind voice while holding her baby.
"Your Highness, it's an honor to know that you hold the memory of my parents, Sir Simon and Madam Amelia, in such high regard. To hear that I carry the distinct traits of my mother and father is a privilege," I began conveying the reverence I felt. "Your words bring them closer in this moment, reminding me of the values they instilled. Values that I see mirrored in the grace and warmth you extend to all, a grace now surely passed to the newest member of your family"
I continued, gently steering the conversation towards the joyous event. "And speaking of new beginnings, allow me to extend my most heartfelt congratulations on the arrival of Princess Nadia. May her journey be as splendid and filled with love." I concluded, my words were a sincere reflection of my joy for their happiness.
Princess Yasmine and Sir Sahir both looked at their newborn, their eyes filled with love for their new child,
Just as everything was going smoothly and joyfully, suddenly all the light in the hall was gone. The twinkling lights, the glowing chandeliers, every source of illumination was snuffed out in an instant, plunging the hall into darkness. A collective gasp rose from the gathered assembly, a chorus of confusion and fear. Before anyone could react or make sense of this abruptness, the ground beneath our feet trembled violently. A thunderous blast resonated through the hall, its origins mysterious but its threat unmistakably real.
In that moment of chaos and uncertainty, my instincts took over. "The Poker Face" was activated instantly, calming my nerves and making me more receptive to my surroundings. My emotions were locked away, my senses heightened, and my mind clear, focusing solely on the situation at hand. Despite the enveloping darkness, my eyes began to adjust, as "SCAN" activated, catching glimpses of silhouettes and movements, the panic-stricken faces of the nobles, the protective stances of the guards as well as my current position.
As the echoes of the blast faded, replaced by the murmurings and whispers of a crowd in distress, I steadied myself. It was clear that this was no mere accident, but an act bearing intention and malice.
The earthquakes continued as the ground beneath us started shaking vigorously, Sir Sahir, immediately unsheathed his sword with a swift, decisive motion, positioning himself between the unseen threat and us. His stance was a fortress in itself, a testament to his unwavering courage and the oath he had taken to safeguard the royal family and their kin, however, Without warning, an unseen force struck Sir Sahir. The impact was immense, sending him hurtling through the air, away from us, his sword clattering against the stone floor.
As the earthquakes grew more and more vigorous, fissures started snaking through the hall's ancient flooring, and the ancestral portrait, began to tremble ominously on its perch. In a heart-stopping moment, it dislodged, plummeting towards where Princess Yasmine and Mohini stood, frozen in shock, I lunged towards them, driven by a singular resolve to protect. With a force born of desperation, I pushed both Mohini and Princess Yasmine out of the portrait's lethal trajectory. The princess, though caught off-balance and falling, cradled her baby with instinctive protectiveness, shielding her child with her body against the hard floor. Siddhanth jumped to save Salem taking him away from the portrait's direction.
Amidst the chaos, I steadied myself, my "The Poker Face" intact but my heart pounding a fierce rhythm. Sir Sahir, disoriented but unbroken, began to rise, his eyes scanning the room for threats, his hand reaching once again for his sword.
"Sahir, I have come to claim your soul and finally, let my Princess Yasmine free from your shackles, ....." said a mysterious figure, his voice sounded obsessed and deranged as the sound of his boots crackled against the fallen fragments echoed in the abyss of shadows that surrounded us.
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To be continued