EPISODE 161: FORGING A NEW AGE 1

— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.

CLANG!

The early morning sun shown through a cloudy grey sky. The temperature was moderate, not too cold and not too hot, but a slight breeze was in the air. I found myself enjoying this fall. It would be the start of a New Age—a [Golden Age] meant to change this country and world into something more. Imperius Hall stood in this weather its dark exterior was a stark difference from its brightly lit interior. It was a space I often came to when I wanted to clear my head and reorganize my thoughts.

“Decisions… decisions…,” I said.

I glanced at the hew crafted for me by Ignis during my stay at the Mountain of Final Hope. I’d left the Colosseum shortly after Simra was announced the winner, my job done. My presence wouldn’t be necessary until later during the tournament. Calmly, I began to build, using this time to organize my thoughts.

CLANG!

This week was packed with too much that I barely held any time to process any event. The slaying of calamities, Moona Gamal and her followers pledging their souls to me, the Lorde House actions, Princess Allura, and finally… the announcement of the Enlar clans return. I needed to clear my head, which is why I left once Simra was announced the winner.

“There isn’t enough of me,” I said, clanging away at the piece of metal I forged. “I wish Minerva was here.”

“Kathrine make sure I’m not bothered,” I ordered my personal maid.

“Yes Your Highness Lawruthian,” she responded—turning to clear everyone from Imperius Hall.

“Simra Enlar… my cousin…? No wonder I’ve always felt a connection with her since I was a child. Yuck, can’t believe I used to like her like that,” I stated aloud.

CLANG!

“What does this mean for the future I envisioned… what does this mean for my Edryan?”

As I asked myself these questions I quickly came up with answers. First off, this could mean a return of the three ducal houses. Lily Maar and now Simra Enlar, only a member of the Ahuum were missing. I should make plans for when they finally rear their head.

“I need to speak with my mother… I need to know everything I should know—Simra Enlar… wait, why would she announce herself as Enlar and not Edryani…? Unless… does she know?”

My head was cocked to the left as I pondered this question. My work nearly forgotten. It seems my mother isn’t the only one keeping secrets.

“Her father is an Enlar, her mother a Princess of Edryan—what a fantastic tale. If Karla knew… I wonder what fantasy she’d cook up,” I said, chuckling. It was good to speak these thoughts aloud, as it helped me clear my head.

CLANG!

“Your Highness Lawruthian,” Kathrine called from the hall’s entrance.

Imperius Hall held an open floor layout that could be converted into different rooms and areas if necessary. Usually, it remained filled with personnel under me working on various projects. Now the hall was empty as I was the sole occupant. That is until, Kathrine called to disturb me.

“What is it?”

“You have a visitor,” she responded.

Kathrine knew not to disturb me, so if she was alerting me, then it was someone I’d probably want to see.

“Allow them entry.”

CLANG!

The metal I forged was still rough. The magic I used to turn the hard element into a more malleable form seeped its way deeper until the metal was like putty in my hands. I wasn’t golem crafting, at least, I didn’t think I was. I just needed a way to clear my mind.

“Hi Law,” a pleasant voice said.

I turned around with a broad smile on my face as my visitor greeted me.

“Hi Madria. I didn’t expect you to visit me.”

She laughed, a clear sound that filled me with warmth. She moved closer, tilting her head slightly to the left to peak at what I was working on. Her hair was back to its straight and kept shoulder-length bob, and she wore the attire of a [Priest of Madris].

“What brings you here,” I asked, moving to the side to give her a better view of what I was working on.

“Oh, am I not welcomed?”

“Of course not, I understood you were helping the church in different areas for the summit.”

“Those duties are done, and I’ve been reassigned new ones—mainly to officially come under your banner,” Madria began—she moved as she talked.

Madria gazed around the hall. There were scattered items everywhere. She seemed curious to see one of my private areas. A place she hadn’t seen since my childhood birthday party. Her steps took her to a golem with its internals missing. It looked similar to the suit I built while we were prisoners in Final Hope.

“From now on, I am to be at your service. Amaya should be here shortly—perhaps all the Little Greats,” she finished, turning around to face me.

I stayed silent, curious about the thoughts of my mother and her cohort. The Little Greats would all be coming under my banner? Perhaps this was because I won our little wager during the fight against the calamities. I would have to use and assign them appropriately. Changes were coming to my Edryan.

“Did you hear about the Challenger’s Ring,” I asked. I knew she wasn’t just here because of what she said.

Madria pursed her lips but nodded. “From what I have understood—Simra… is the last scion of the Enlar House. This is a massive political event, but I’m sure you’ve thought of something. The Gamal and the church will support whatever decision you and Queen Titiana make.”

She said the ending confidently, and a small smile of appreciation showed itself on my face. I nodded, as I did have some ideas but nothing solid. It was nice of Madria to mention the support of the church and her house. Although not once did I expect that support to stop.

“I have some ideas… but they need refinement.”

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“Then perhaps…,” Madria began, turning toward the entrance of Imperius Hall. The doors opened and Kathrine showed herself.

“More guest,” I asked.

She smiled and nodded, and I gave her a wave. Moments later, a large, bustling crowd made their way in. There were the Romus twins, who made a beeline straight for me—at least Selina did, her expression serious. Ade Oni and Lorde Drumian walked together in the far back. While Viviana Consus and Amaya Musa walked before them, gazing around curiously at the items in the hall. Amaya even paused in her steps to get closer to some of my half finished works.

“Your Highness,” Selina greeted with a curtsy, her brother repeating her actions with a bow.

“Remember, call me Law when we’re amongst friends—there is no need for such pleasantries.”

“Understood. The task you assigned to me previously is finished, but I’m concerned with the movement of the Old Power. Prince Tendra has swept up numerous [Artisans] of different professions. It's almost like he’s preparing for…”

“…the New Age to begin,” Helios continued the words of his twin. “They aren’t confident in swaying a majority vote against the Class Based Constitutional Monarchy. They are-“

Before Helios could continue, the door of the hall opened once again and drew the attention of everyone. I chuckled, there were no breaks during the Imperius Grand Summit.

“What is it Kathrine,” I called—already anticipating the arrival of new guests.

“Ms. Simra Enlar and Karla Kansun are outside the hall.”

The Little Greats all turned to gaze at me, and I gestured for Kathrine to bring them in. I mentally sighed—so much for not being bothered. What’s next… Princess Allura?

Simra Enlar walked in timidly, she stuck close to Karla and the confidence she radiated earlier wasn’t present. This was the young woman I knew. They approached me, and I looked toward the members of the Little Greats who were near my workstation. The message was understood as they began to gaze at the half finished magi-tech scattered at different areas in the hall. Karla paused in front of me, Simra a step behind her. Together, the two young ladies bowed.

“No need,” I simply said. My red-gold eyes studied the young women. Of the pair, one wouldn’t meet my eyes. “Am I that scary—are we not friends?”

Karla opened her mouth to say something, but I simply glanced at her and raised my eyebrows before returning my attention to Simra. She had some explaining to do. Not just her, but my mother as well.

Simra took a deep breath before she raised her head, her blue eyes locking into mine. There was hesitation, trepidation, and genuine worry in her eyes. It took a minute for her to muster up the courage to speak.

“Hi… Law…,” she mumbled hesitantly.

I stayed silent as we gazed at one another. She broke our eye contact quickly and turned to Karla. “Can you give us some space?”

Karla didn’t say anything, but she turned to Simra, her legs wobbled ever so slightly. Well, I guess I am that scary. The two women gazed at one another, and Karla didn’t leave until Simra nodded again in confirmation. That left the two of us arguably alone, however, the attributes more than boost those in the room to hear every word. I waved my hand, activating a ring on my finger to give us privacy. An opaque barrier covered us, making it difficult to see or hear anything within.

The moment the barrier finished covering us, I folded my arms and stared at Simra, hard. She opened and closed her mouth several times, but with each attempt, words failed her. And, her eyes failed to find purchase on mine. Eventually, she mustered up the courage to once again speak.

“I’m sorry,” she began—this time her eyes summoned up the courage to meet mine. Her voice was steadier and held more confidence now that the two of us were effectively alone.

Her light-brown skin held a luster from her harrowing battle. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and when they reopened they held a seriousness she previously lacked. The nervousness and hesitation was all but gone from her demeanor.

“I lied to you, and I can understand if you no longer wish to be my friend or even see me. I’m sure I've lost your trust but if you’d allow me to explain myself, then I will.”

I continued my silence. Truly, I wasn’t upset at Simra—not exactly. She’d nearly died today, but because of her Titled, she made it out alive. I was irritated she hadn’t told me of her last name, but I’m sure we were both keeping secrets from one another. She opened her mouth to continue, but I cut her off.

“I don’t care why you lied, Simra Enlar . I’m just glad you’re safe. This Titled means you have a destiny planned ahead—should you accomplish it, then there may be a chance at Prestige or Godhood for you. A chance to advance beyond mortality. Your life is about to change—in every aspect, in every form you may or may not think of. For your safety, you and your family will have to live in the palace, at least until the Enlar clan can stand upon its feet once again. That’s only if my mother allows your existence,” I said.

Simra's eyes widened in fear, and her face grew pale slightly. I doubt she understood the full implications of her little stunt. The Enlar were a destroyed clan. Their assets were seized, their bloodline nearly exterminated, and their way of life outright destroyed. That included their ancient city. Its people were forced to move to new cities.

“The land your family governed has been split and divided. Some remain in the hands of my family, others in those of the Six Great Houses. The properties, business and what not have been divided between many smaller houses under the control of other Great Houses. Your return steps on countless toes. Had you come to me first, I could have eased you—the Enlar clan, back into society. Now we have to scramble to ensure no one does anything rash.”

I sighed, my left hand rubbing my temples at the headache this would cause. Simra’s face looked ready to spill tears. Her hands tightly gripped the dress she wore, and her gaze looked back and toward the entrance several times. I was done scaring her with the consequences of her actions.

“You are fortunate that you call the Crown Prince of Edryan and [Chosen of Madris] a friend,” I said with a heart-warming smile.

Simra looked up at me suddenly confused at my words. She opened her mouth to voice some questions, but I raised my hand.

“ I… can step on toes without consequences.”

Well… usually they would be taken care of by my mother or the Church of Madris. However, my own political power was expanding. I don’t believe I need to rely upon them as much as I did when younger.

“Did you think I would let anything happen to my best friend,” I said, chuckling. I reached a hand out to her shoulder. “You’ll be fine. We’ll release news of us knowing one another since younger. We can easily control the narrative since many at Imperius Academy have seen us hanging together. They will think it was always a plan of the Edryani to reintroduce the Enlar once things cooled down after the war.”

Simra let out a heavy sigh of relief and her face instantly perked up. A hand placed over her chest. “Did you have to stop my heart several times?”

I deactivated the barrier as I dropped my hand. “Yes.”

Several of those present looked to us the moment the barrier dropped. Many eyes landed on Simra’s face and saw the relief present. Karla rushed over unprompted, and I nodded to the Little Greats—they, too, made their way over.

“Is everything ok Simra,” Karla asked while giving me a suspicious eye.

‎ “Yes, everything will be fine according to Law.”

As the members of the Little Greats gathered around, each began to give Simra their congratulations. Not only did she survive what would have rightfully killed most Copper Knights, she’d been revealed to be a member of the Enlars. Many sized her up as if this were the first time seeing her. Selene cast a suspicious glance in my direction. One that I ignored as I waved to Kathrine, who immediately understood what I wanted.

It didn’t take long until we were all seated around a circular table and a second breakfast was served. It wasn’t quite like the last time the Little Greats were all gathered here, and for that, I was thankful. My relationship with them still wasn’t tight-knit or extremely close, but this was a step in the right direction. The moment many those present finished eating, I spoke.

“We need to discuss the actions of the Lorde House and the Old Powers—and the reinstatement of the Enlar clan will give us an extra vote during the Council of Nobles.”

CLANG!