Act I
Chapter VII
2nd Millennia of Pera Dunamis, Continent of Richten - 1st of Deepmoon
Serena and I walk over to the dining hall for breakfast. The early morning light filters through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the room. We’re the first to arrive. The hall is still peaceful. As we take our seats, I can’t ignore the lingering soreness from the previous night.
As we eat, Trent enters next, his sharp eyes instantly noticing the bandages wrapped around my torso. He strides over, concern etched on his face. “Leon, what happened?”
I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. The memory of the attack and the visions persistently haunt me. Before I can respond, Aiden and Caden walk in, groggy before Aldrich marching in behind them.
“We will meet in the courtyard in fifteen minutes,” Aldrich announces briefly, then turns and leaves.
The two look confused by the sudden announcement, their breakfast somewhat forgotten. “What’s that about?” Aiden asks, frowning. Caden shrugs, equally puzzled.
“Guess we’ll find out soon enough,” Caden says, turning his attention back to the food. They didn’t notice the tension between Trent and me, their curiosity overshadowed by their hunger.
Trent’s gaze remains fixed on me, waiting for an explanation. “Are you going to tell me, or do I have to drag it out of you?”
I sigh, knowing I can’t keep it from him forever. “I slipped and fell down the stairs, Trent,” I lie jokingly, Serena almost spurting out her drink.
A dumbfounded expression spreads across my brother’s face before smirking in annoyance. He stands with a mischievous smile. “Fine, if you don’t want to share with me,” he wraps his arm around my neck, “then I’ll just have to give you a reason to reveal it.” Yanking me from my seat, he forcefully presses his knuckle into the crown of my head.
I didn’t know what hurt more, the jolting soreness in my side or the noogie Trent. Suddenly, I hear a splat, then the playful torture stops. Breaking free from Trent’s grasp, I hoist myself up to witness a piece of blue root pie adhered to his face.
“Score!” Aiden shouts, showing off his biceps proudly with a wide smile. Caden snickers in his seat, trying to hide himself behind his plate piled with delicious dishes. Despite being smaller compared to the rest of us, he certainly eats the most.
Serena giggles, handing Trent a napkin. “How about we have a feast here, you guys.” I suppose the three amigos were fast asleep by the time the attack happened.
Trent fixes himself up as we wrap up our breakfast hastily. I glance at my brother stalking Aiden, likely plotting his revenge. We step outside for our gaze to take in remnants of last night’s incident. The scorched land and scattered debris remind me of the danger that’s possible.
Khaz and Aldrich await us, their expressions serious. “Woah, what happened here?” Aiden questions, familiarizing himself with his surroundings.
“Morning, everyone,” Khaz begins, his deep voice commanding our attention. “I suggest you don’t get comfortable, as we will separate into groups soon.” He gestures to the landscape. “Shadow Stalkers ambushed us last night.”
The three amigos — Trent, Aiden, and Caden — turn to Serena and I, their expressions a mix of shock, concern, and fear, speechless. Caden’s reaction is the most pronounced. His face pales, and I can see his anxiety taking hold of him again. He looks like he’s struggling to breathe, his eyes darting around the courtyard as if seeking an escape.
“We are not sure how they found us so soon, but their presence here does not bode well,” Khaz continues, his gaze fixed on Caden alone. “I’ve decided that you five will undergo knight training.
Khaz glances over to Aldrich. “I am going to take Caden, Serena, and Aiden to the academy in the Commonwealth District.” “Usually, I’m opposed to admission with an entrance exam, but Rodrick has made an exception since you’re all part of Khaz’s group, and I will facilitate your entry.”
“What about Leon and I?” Trent asks, placing his hand on my shoulder.
“You’ll join me,” Khaz says, arms folded, examining my brother and me. “We’ll travel outside Drakenfell, away from your friends.”
“Are you guys going to a super secret base?” Serena asks playfully, her attitude lacking the traumatic experience. I she said she was fine when we walked together to the dining hall. I suppose she’s a lot more level-headed than I thought.
Khaz nods, “Something of that sort.”
With that, we all dart back into the mansion to gather our belongings, packing speedily. I had little to pack, as I only have camping gear and the equipment. The main hall is a flurry of activity as we prepare to depart. As Serena passes by, she gives me a reassuring smile, trying to keep the mood light.
I rendezvous with Khaz and the others, being the last to join. “Look at you, Leon! Finally, going to use that new armor of yours,” Aiden says, knocking on the scales of my breastplate. “I hope we get suits of our own, Aldrich.”
“After completing basic training, Aldrich will fit all of you,” he says while placing the last of their belongings atop the back of his griffin. “Let us depart. Orientation begins at high noon. Punctuality is a value of the royal knights of Drakenfell.”
Trent and I say our farewells to the rest of our group. There’s a sense of uncertainty and anticipation in the air. Aldrich leads his group to the knight’s academy. I observe them depart, experiencing a mixture of concern and optimism. They’re in excellent hands.
Khaz and Trent stand beside me as the others depart. Khaz’s expression is stern, yet kind. “Let’s go, you two. We have a stop to make at the royal castle before we leave.”
Trent and I give each other a nod before we set off to the royal castle. We follow the muted pathway surrounded by grand towers and imposing walls. The gardens surrounding the path are serene as gardeners tend to the trees and hedgerows.
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As we approach the grand entrance of the royal castle, a butler steps forward to greet us. “Good morning, Master Khaz,” he says, bowing respectfully. “The king is expecting you. Please, follow me.”
We follow the butler through the opulent corridors of the castle. Intricate tapestries and portraits of past kings and relatives decorate the walls, while rich, purple carpets line the floors. Every corner of this place exudes grandeur and history. My eyes can’t help but wander, taking in the castle’s lavishness. Trent walks beside me, his expression a mix of awe and curiosity.
The butler leads us to a set of large, ornate doors. “The dining hall, sirs,” he announces, pushing them open to reveal a long, elegant room. At the far end, seated at a grand table, is a tall, regal figure, his presence deserving of admiration. He looks up from his meal as we enter, a smile spreading across his face.
“Well, if it isn’t the Flame Warden of Pera Dunamis!” the man exclaims, rising from his seat. He strides forward, his steps purposeful and welcoming.
Khaz bows with a respectful bow, and Trent and I follow suit. “King Calladan,” Khaz begins, his voice respectful but warm, “it’s good to see you again, Your Majesty.”
The king clasps Khaz’s arm in a friendly greeting. “Ah, drop the formality. It makes undeserving coming for you.” He glances over at Trent and me, his eyes curious. “It has been too long, Khaz. I trust you have been well?”
Khaz smiles, his demeanor more relaxed now. “Indeed, brother. Allow me to introduce my nephews, Leon and Trent.”
My brother and I step forward, bowing again. “It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
“The honor is mine. Any family of the incredible Khaz is a family of mine,” King Calladan replies, his eyes twinkling with kindness. He looks at me. “How is your healing, young one?”
I nod, a grin tugging at the corner of my mouth. We all sit down at the tables, and the king gestures for us to join him. Servants bring out more food and drink, setting a lavish spread before us. Even though we had eaten an hour ago, Trent and I experience a renewed sense of hunger as we chow down. The conversation between the king and Khaz flows naturally, briefly reminiscing of their past adventures and discussing current affairs in Richten.
I come to learn that Drakenfell is the reigning capital of Richten. The continent also has eleven other cities scattered across it, with Adria and Neln standing out. Apparently, Neln is a flying militaristic fortress of a city, home to most Richten’s air superiority. Adria is quite the opposite. A city that swims. The only detail I gather about Adria is that it’s built atop the back of a living creature.
“It seems like only yesterday we were fighting side by side,” King Calladan says, a tone of nostalgia in his voice. “Those were dark times. We are lucky to live to tell the tale.”
“Indeed, Calladan,” Khaz nods, his expression thoughtful. “Now, we face the God-King’s Shadow Stalkers. Fortunately, we have chased them out of the city,” he leans forward slightly, “Although, I seek the use of the port chambers. My stone’s magic is now stable, however I do not want to risk what occurred last.
“Of course, I understand the gravity of the situation. The chambers are at your disposal.” He turns to the butler. “Please, prepare it for Khaz and his nephews.”
The butler bows and swiftly leaves the room to make the arrangements. King Calladan turns back to us, his expression warm but serious. Rodrick informed me. He lets out a deep sigh, a sound that carries the immense responsibility of the people in Richten. “Where are you intending to go?”
“Where we defeated the dragon,” Khaz says, a moment of silence engulfing the room, the air becoming tense.
“I see. Are you fully prepared, Khaz?”
The warden shakes his head. “I am planning to harvest the dragon’s bones for their weapons. Dhruv’s forge should still be near the remains. I hear that…”
“That’s not what I mean, Khaz,” the King interrupts. “You know, the Continent of Rigurford is a bastion for terrors since the dragon’s demise. Its remains have attracted a great many contenders for its rule. Pray, you remember the scale of its corruption.” The King’s gaze meets the Flame Warden’s eyes, stern and concerning. “I worry not for you, but for your kin.”
The heaviness of his words suspends in the air. I exchange glances with Trent, who looks equally apprehensive. If the king is expressing his apprehension, I can only imagine what could be in Rigurford.
“I understand your worry, Calladan,” Khaz replies, his voice steady. “Leon and Trent’s journey is expected to be a demanding one.”
The king chuckles, his gaze towards Khaz hints of remembrance. “Perhaps I’ve grown soft. Bearing children can do that to a war-torn man. Very well, may Pera Dunamis protect you in Rigurford.” The butler returns, slightly bowing, waiting for another request. “The chambers are yours. Take what supplies you may need from the royal armory and storehouse.”
The butler bows and gestures for us to follow. We walk through the castle’s opulent halls, that seem to stretch forever. We pass over the weapons and supplies depot, and make our way to the port chambers. The room is vast, circular, and filled with the hum of ancient magic accompanied by the low glow of runes spread around the floor. The air is thick with anticipation.
King Calladan joins us, placing a hand on Khaz’s shoulder. “When can we expect your return?”
“Three months,” Khaz replies.
With a last nod, the king steps back, giving us a moment to prepare. Khaz leads us to the center of the chamber, then activating the port stone. The runes illuminate as the air shimmers around us. The energy builds, giving me the impression of being crushed, as if someone has multiplied the gravity by ten. I clutch my pack, experiencing a strange mix of fear and excitement. This is truly happening.
In an instant, the world shifts. The familiar sights and sounds of Drakenfell disappear, replaced by a chilling, desolate landscape. We find ourselves in ancient ruins. The architecture resembles some sort of abandoned fortress. The air is thin and cold, carrying the scent of decay and weariness.
As we step outside the ancient remains, the sight in front of us is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Below us are the remnants of a gigantic dragon stretch out in our view, its massive skeleton going on for miles. The bones, once mighty and majestic, are now twisted and corrupted. The ground around the corpse becomes scorched and barren as the dragon’s lingering aura taints the area, almost creating a visible haze. It’s clear that a great battle has ravaged this place, and the dragon’s corruption has spread far and wide.
A magnificent forest encompassed the dragon’s skeleton, teeming with twisted, dark blue trees that contort in diverse directions. Strange beastly howls permeate the air, and a disturbing instability lurks beneath my feet, as if the earth itself is in poor health. Shining eyes projected a predatory hunger through the dense haze. Their gaze is clearest.
Khaz steps forward, surveying the area with a practiced eye. “This is it,” he says. “I plan to teach you all that I know within three months.”
He leads us back inside the old citadel, its walls wrapped with blue, fleshy vines. “We are going to set up base here,” he continues. “This stronghold is positioned atop a great mountain, making it a defensible and unsalable sanctuary.”
His words resonate with me, a warning and encouragement. Khaz leads us through a set of heavy, ancient doors to a balcony on the opposite side of the fortress. The air here is fresher, though still tinged with the scent of decay. Moving through shredded, dusty drapes, a striking image comes into view.
Below us, we can see the landscape dotted with fiery encampments and sturdy, black fortresses. The scene is alive with the chaotic dance of war; balls of estranged magic and arrows exchange across the land, illuminating the night with bursts of light.
A world teetering on the edge of chaos. The ongoing struggle stretches as far as the eye can reach. Khaz’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. “With no ruler, the war below continues to rage in Rigurford. The dragon’s corruption has attracted not only dark creatures but also those who seek to exploit its power. This land was once beautiful, now a battleground that needs to be cleansed.”
Khaz puts his hands on Trent and I’s shoulders, heavy with belief. “I will build you two to be its new kings.”