EPISODE 154: EDRYA, HOME OF HEROES
— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.
The Legends of Madris Edryani — The Challenger:
Chapter 50: A Third Domain
A third domain emerged. A third incarnation appears. Let us rejoice, as every [Priestess of Madris] announces the growing strength of our Goddess. She has long passed the understanding of mere mortals and has achieved a strength those in the Astral Above are jealous of. The greed of Az fell to the punishment our Goddess Madris delivered, and in doing so, She has achieved strength far beyond her peers. Let this be the announcement of a new chapter—let this be the announcement of The Sage.
— Excerpt from The Legends of Madris Edryani – The Challenger.
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“Home of Heroes,” Allura said.
They stood on a hill and, in the distance, a magnificent city was displayed before them. It stood on an open, withering, grassy field, and long lines extended half an hour out from all four outer gates. A chill was in the air as late autumn began and the Final Ending of 7291 approached. The city itself looked beautiful—grassy fields, new construction, and more were taking place in the outer walls that were barely visible to Allura from the distance. The palace itself was centered and rose above the city, as each level was higher than the last. This gave the impression that the city was larger than it truly was. It was a marvel of magic and human ingenuity—at least she thought so. Allura took in the heavy scent of the fall season of the Edryan state. Here, so many vibrant colors dazzled her eyes since the [Caravan of Death] entered the state. It was different from the sands of Az’Dawn.
“Home of Heroes,” Aunt Chine repeated.
It was the name of the great city established for generations, as it was well known that many Edryan rulers held the [Hero] class—present much more than anywhere else in the world.
Their week’s journey from Laguu — Home of Warriors and End of Monsters, was a pleasant trip in which Allura marveled at the multitude of colors—the moment they entered Zolo's Pass, the heat of the sun seemed to disperse as if a figment of imagination.
“It’s different, much from Ma’vel—so different from home,” Allura commented.
She sat on her favorite spot, the top of her carriage, and next to her in a similar position was Aunt Chine. The two of them continued to gaze at the city, their final destination on this journey.
“Both capitals each have their beauty—just as they have their ugliness. We are arriving at a… untimely event—all the Houses of Edryan are present. Keep your patience well Allura, as it will be far more dangerous now than ever before.”
Princess Allura nodded. “My Wrath is well under control now…”
The two women shared a smile as Allura spoke. Her thoughts drifted to Tian Ni’Raiku, her betroth. He’d vastly boosted her Sin of Wrath to completion by allowing access to the [Pool of Reflection]. Now, unlike at the start of this journey, Allura no longer held uncontrollable wrath. Her temperament had suitably shifted in a direction Allura deemed better.
Upon their arrival in Laguu, the caravan only then found out about the Imperius Grand Summit. An event they remained unsure of even after a night in the Oni’s palace. As an official delegation, Allura could not sneak her way into the country as she once did. The hundred-strong caravan displayed banners and more that spoke of her station and could not be hidden from the eye of the public.
She wore a traditional dress of the Az’Dawn state—a long, flowing Arabian-styled dress that held jewels and gems native to her home. Both her hair and body were covered by a breathable outfit that ensured she was neither too hot nor cold—her dress an ever-transforming weapon, titled [Ambition’s Wrath].
“Into the carriage now—we should be in the range of their high-levelers. Although I know they’ve long since spotted us, it’s best a princess of the Empire of Az’Dawn shows proper etiquette when arriving in a foreign territory,” Aunt Chine said.
Allura sighed, she sat outside as much as she could as she enjoyed the weather and vibrant colors of the Edryan state. She knew her aunt was correct and shortly followed her orders, but the sigh that escaped her lips was audible to everyone near.
The Ironhide mounts were a stark difference from the horses and magical variants that Edryan used. Their sand coloration made them stick out, although the large flags of the country easily drew attention.
“ MAKE WAY! MAKE WAY—THE DELEGATION OF AZ’DAWN IS COMING THROUGH! ”
The [Caravan of Death] quickly approached the large gates of the capital city. Those who long since entered the line moved to the side as the fast lizards scuttled across the ground. Allura’s carriage was in the midst, and it took several minutes for them to enter through the gates. Allura was surprised at the quickness of their entrance into the city, as her last experience was far different.
“It seems entering as an official delegation has its perks,” she muttered to herself.
She pulled the curtain that covered the window to peer outside. The soft smile of Aunt Chine greeted her at the window. She rolled her eyes and made a shooing motion—she wanted to see the city and compare what she saw as a child to now. Aunt Chine smiled and moved her mount slightly away, allowing Princess Allura the view she wanted—not without mouthing words Allura could easily understand.
“Remember… have patience.”
She wasn’t disappointed by what she saw. Allura gasped, as the changes to Edrya were vastly different from the past. Golems were everywhere, lifting heavy objects or accomplishing tasks deemed too mundane. The outer walls were under heavy construction, but the citizens moved through the streets happily, with many moving out of the way to gawk at the Az’Dawn delegation. The caravan was escorted by Edryan knights, who quickly ensured they traveled at a near gallop toward the palace.
Strangely, the nervousness Allura expected to have wasn’t present. Perhaps it was the festive atmosphere that Edrya was under invading her spirit—maybe it was through the completion of her Sin and returning her emotions to normal. Regardless of the cause, Allura had made a strange peace on her journey here. She didn’t doubt her death, as by any means, she was to gather the [Edryani Honey] to rid her father of {Mage’s Distortion}. All the Great Houses of the Edryan state were present. If before, she was only to steal under the gaze of the Edryani, then Princess Allura held a bit of confidence at success. Now…?
Princess Allura laughed and returned the wave a young magi girl gave her. The early morning sun was covered by a cloudy sky, and the scent of rain was present. Allura sighed, laughing self-deprecatingly at how a young magi girl held more freedom than her.
“ What a day to die. ”
The large walls of the Edryani home were displayed in full grandeur—the crest of the Edryani royal family, a sword carried in the talons of a bird, split open as they were granted access. Her second time passing through these walls was nothing like the first. Her eyes locked with Aunt Chine, who once again smiled at her—one filled with assurance.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
“ What a day to die. ”
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“Welcome Princess Allura to my home—you have arrived in time for the celebrations, as my Great Edryan is in the process of achieving a [Golden Age].”
His voice was majestic, deep, and radiated power. She studied him as he stood nearly a dozen centimeters taller than her. The [Chosen of Edryan] wore a suit that seemed to drip in the golden brown of divinity. His red-gold eyes, curly hair that fell just to his shoulders, and powerfully built body all radiated a sense of confidence Allura couldn’t help but appreciate. He was far more powerful than in their first meeting, and he held a swagger that expressed such.
Her host was not the only one to present a swagger and confidence within themselves. She stood facing Prince Lawruthian fearlessly and held the same swagger within herself as a Princess of Az’Dawn. She dipped her body ever so slightly in a curtsy to the youth before her.
“I greet you, Prince Lawruthian, your country has only grown more beautiful and prosperous since I last visited.”
Her voice was calm, and measured, but held confidence. He studied her as she stood a short distance away. The [Princess of Ambition’s Wrath] wore an off-white dress that strangely enhanced her Aubrey-colored hair and eyes. When she talked, long, sharp canines displayed themselves in full—enhancing her unique beauty. She was a dangerous beast in human form, one that Lawruthian couldn’t help but appreciate. Her body definition was covered by her modest attire, but the confidence she radiated and flashes of toned flesh allowed the prince to know of her confidence.
“It is through the guidance of the Goddess that Edryan has grown as such. As her [Chosen] it is only right that I provide this great nation with the resources to lead our world.”
Princess Allura looked Lawruthian up as if she were seeing a new person—arguably, she was, as the pair hadn’t seen one another for nearly a decade. This was not the young boy she once met—and, through this, she steadied her mind and resolve. She took a slight breath and prepared to speak but paused as the Crown Prince of Edryan continued to speak.
“But enough flattery—it is a pleasure for you to join Edryan at such a monumental moment in our history,” He continued. His face took on a more serious expression. “Today, we have our finest businessmen showcasing themselves throughout the halls—tomorrow, we showcase the Challenger’s Ring—an event in which the greatest upcoming prodigies of Edryan will fight and die to prove their superiority over one another. I would like to invite you to join me in spectating the event.”
Allura mentally frowned, this was not the direction she wished to head in discussion with Lawruthian. Her jaw nearly clenched, but she caught herself before any hint of wrath could muster itself. The words of her aunt who stood just a few meters away appeared in her mind. She smiled and nodded in agreement.
“Yes, I find that agreeable—perhaps then we can discuss the reason for my delegation’s arrival in Edryan.”
“Ahh, forgive me, where are my manners? I’ve forgotten you’ve arrived with official business. It seems the business is specifically with me…,” he questioned hesitantly. The delegation made their interest in meeting with the [Chosen of Madris] clear in their initial meeting of the Edryan representatives. Fortunately, Princess Allura didn’t have to take care of such matters. She’d only presented herself once those talks were done and Lawruthian was ready to meet her.
“Yes, but as you stated, it’s best we discuss more during this… Challenger’s Ring,” she responded confidently. “I’d like to know more about the Imperius Grand Summit and what it represents for Edryan’s future.”
Prince Lawruthian’s eyes lit up as Allura kept the conversation going. He gestured toward the curved window of Tenten Parlor, which gave them an impressive view of the castle grounds. She joined him near the window and gazed at the ongoings of the palace below.
“My Great Edryan is undergoing a change in… Everything ,” he began once she joined him—gesturing below to emphasize his point. “Tell me, Princess Allura, what would you say is the difference between our states and the rest of the world?”
Allura was a bit confused at the sudden question. Her profile and understanding of Prince Lawruthian continued to shift the more they spoke. She’d understood to a degree who and how the [Chosen of Madris] operated, but he was increasingly showing differences from what she expected. That didn’t halt her from quickly answering the question.
“Accumulation,” she began, and next to her, Prince Lawruthian shot her an approving nod. “We don’t have the same accumulation of class knowledge, skills, and more the rest of the world has.”
She gave a standard answer she’d learned of during her noble lessons growing up. However, it was an answer she also believed. Az’Dawn was young in terms of heritage. Unlike the Edryans, they did not have a Goddess who emerged since the dawn of the world’s history.
“How would you fix it? How would you propel Az’Dawn forward and away from the title of Low Kingdom.”
“Az’Dawn holds no claims to such a title, perhaps we are decades behind in some magical acumen, but we are confident in our prowess,” she responded. This was not out of a belief of her own, but rather a way to distance herself from any implications her words may have. The two of them were not the only ones within the room.
“Oh, has Az’Dawn already figured out an efficient method of communication? Is your system of travel safe and reliable? Do your people advance in class grades much easier than the previous century,” he asked as he turned to her, a curious look on his face.
Allura frowned and pursed her lips. As Prince Lawruthian spoke, the thought of Az’Dawn of the capital Ma’vel, her home. Most long-distance communication between two parties was done through a trusted messenger or an expensive magical device brought from the gnomes of Ja’forr—devices that could take months to recharge and be able to use again. Her battle against the [Midnight Hyenas] and their spawns told her of the safety of traveling through Az’Dawn. Although they took a more direct route from Ma’vel to travel to the border… it was still near the coastal cities of their country. Nor could she forget about the [Revenants] as they traveled through the salt flats. Many men and women died on the journey to get Allura here. Should they return through the same method—many more would die still.
As for Prince Lawruthian’s last question, well… Allura knew that was not the case. Class advancement in Az’Dawn was something strictly controlled. The only way to escape the bond of [Common], [Uncommon], or [Rare], was to find some lost ruin and get lucky if someone left behind a class seed. There were other ways… but that was the most famous. As for the last two class tiers, [Legendary] and [Mythical], any found in possession of those class tiers belonged to the higher nobility and families who would not allow an upstart to exist.
No, Az’Dawn was not close to any of the Middle Kingdoms—who could at least communicate effectively over long distances. Nor did they hold the same military might, as they only held three demigods—one on the verge of madness—and a slew of Prestiges.
Prince Lawruthian didn’t wait for her answer. Instead, he continued to speak—his conduct was slightly rude, but he was the host and held the momentum of their conversation. He turned back to look down on the busy figures of the palace—a slight smile on his face.
“Edryan is on the verge of accomplishing those. We have already connected a few of our major cities through the Rail System—I’m sure you’ve seen it.”
She had, in fact, Lady Oni originally extended an offer for the delegation to take the ride to arrive faster in Edryan. The [Dustguards] led by Imperial Legionnaire Ramus were against such actions. They believed in their own power more than anything and would rather slow the journey to ensure that much of everything was in their control. During their stay, they would be looking for the location where the [Edryani Honey] was produced.
“I have,” she responded, measured.
“Edryan has started a public education system teaching all children to read and write—we have experienced a surge in [Uncommon] classes since. With nearly forty-five percent of all children gaining an [Uncommon] class option on their System Day. A miraculous achievement that is thanks to Goddess Madris. The only thing we lack to be classified as a ‘Middle’ Kingdom is simply an effective communication system.”
Princess Allura watched as his smile deepened. She decided to maintain silence—not from a lack of understanding, but she remained unsure of what exactly Prince Lawruthian was getting at. She could feel Aunt Chine in the back, hovering and ready to step in, but she shifted her body in a manner that alerted the woman to stay back.
Those red-gold eyes slid along the window's surface and peered through the reflection and into an Aubrey-colored pair. Princess Allura continued to maintain her silence but continued their indirect eye contact.
“Would you be interested in acquiring such magi-tech?”