Prince Cassian was an hour into his amethite studies lesson, this was the part where his mind usually began to wander, and he struggled to sit still. Rather than reading along with his professor, Cassian stared out the window of the tower. He pondered what life might be like for the ordinary citizens of Cloudreach far below.
The lantern festival had started the previous evening and the colorfully decorated streets were already teeming with life. People came from all over Enthamere and sometimes even the lands beyond to enjoy the festivities. Despite having anything he desired within reach, he still often fantasized about living the life of a common man. He dreamt of walking the streets unnoticed, of setting off on adventures like the ones he read about, even of trivial tasks like buying his own bread from the market.
Cassian was certainly appreciative of his royal upbringing and the many years of world class education he had received. He just wished he could silence the pessimistic voice inside his head that promised he would never be half the man his father was. Of course, it would’ve been simpler if his father was anyone else—perhaps a cobbler or a ferryman would’ve been preferable to the young prince. Those were shoes that might be more easily filled. Why do I feel this way? Why do I wake up every morning dreading the day ahead? What might it be like to choose how I spend my days for once? Cassian ran his fingers through his short hair and sighed.
The prince felt foolish at times for being so envious of the common citizens of Enthamere. After all, life in the palace was beyond comfortable and he had a host of servants he could call on at any hour. Cassian yawned aloud. I think I’d rather be anywhere else than sitting in this boring lesson with Eldan. Maybe I could run away in the night and become a sailor on a galley traversing the Magnolia Sea. Or perhaps become a knight fighting on the front lines for some noble cause. What about a mysterious encounter with the elven resistance of Tyriel Tannathel, the Blade that Never Dulls? One corner of his lips curled upwards as he daydreamed.
Eldan, a squat man with a gray beard that nearly touched the floor, sat across from the prince reading aloud from a massive tome embossed with golden mountains. He cleared his throat loudly, jolting Cassian back to the present. “And so, King Denethor of Enthamere ushered forth the most prosperous time in our kingdom's long and storied history. In the deepest mines beneath the tallest mountains, the king discovered deposits of the crystal called amethite. He immediately knew it was special and as such he brought it back for experimentation. Little did he know the violet crystals would change Enthamere, and the world beyond forever. The amethite could be harnessed by some to accompl-.”
“Yes, I’ve heard this story a thousand times, Eldan.” Prince Cassian interrupted, eyes still fixed on the hustle and bustle of the streets far below. I wonder if their parents forced them to study Enthamerean history? For that matter, I wonder how our history is presented to kids of other nations?
The old man slammed the book shut in earnest frustration. “Indeed young lord, I imagine you have. So then, tell me the applications of amethite?”
Cassian bounced to his feet, turning to face his teacher. “Well, the crystal can be used as a source of energy. New and innovative applications are discovered occasionally by your people. It can of course be consumed to grant the wielder incredible speed and strength for a short time.”
“And what of the stone sickness?” Asked Eldan.
“The stone sickness is what happens to those not properly trained to use the amethite. The surge of power provided by the crystal can overwhelm one’s senses, resulting in vomiting, or loss of consciousness. If used too often without the right training the mind of the user may even be lost forever.” Maybe having one's mind lost forever might not be such a terrible fate.
Eldan nodded his head heartily. “Excellent young lord, but what about the application you’ve forgotten? The focus of our studies over the past months?”
“Well obviously you know it can be used by those well-trained to perform all manner of wondrous things Eldan.”
“Have you been practicing like I asked?”
“Hmm…yes, of course.” Cassian locked his eyes on his boots to camouflage his dishonesty.
“I can always tell when you’re lying, young lord.” Eldan took a long drag from his pipe before exhaling a plume of smoke.
Yep, it’s official, I hate the scent of tobacco. The prince squinted his eyes and looked over at his teacher, “Okay, I might not have practiced as much as I should’ve. Please show me once more?” Cassian stretched and began to pace around the large chamber.
Eldan shook his head at the prince before reaching into a fold in his loose-fitting and ornately patterned cloak, pulling out a handful of small purple crystals. He closed his eyes, breathing in deeply. The amethite hovered above the old man's palm glowing vividly as he gestured with his other hand towards a decorative suit of heavy steel armor. The suit of banded plate armor vibrated for a second before it came to life. It walked across the room and patted Cassian on the shoulder. The armor walked gracefully as if a man was inside of it.
“I think I’d feel better about my own efforts if you weren't so bloody good at everything, Eldan.” Cassian groaned, inspecting the animated suit of plate mail. I wonder what old Eldan was like when he was a young man. I just can’t imagine it. Who knows, perhaps he was born an old man. The fabled old man baby.
Eldan winked at the prince. He waved his hand and the suit of armor mirrored Eldan’s gesture before returning to its idle position near the door. “Now it’s your turn, my young lord.”
Prince Cassian stepped up next to his teacher and cracked his knuckles before emptying a small pouch of amethite into his own open palm. Alright Cassian, let's not make yourself look like an idiot again this time, please?
“Remember to clear your mind young lord. You must be like the galleon in the storm rolling with the waves. There can be no resistance or doubt, you must flow with the energy. It’s like a dance.” The bearded teacher instructed calmly as he took another puff from his long tobacco pipe.
Unfortunately, I’m a terrible dancer. Cassian's brow scrunched as he concentrated intensely. His palms began to sweat. For a long minute nothing happened, and Cassian wore his frustration on his face like a fisherman with an empty net. “I look like a bumbling fool!” The prince muttered.
Eldan put a wrinkled hand on the young lord's shoulder and reassured him. “Breath Cassian, the amethite doesn’t control you, you control it. Remember, be like the ship, ever-flowing with the waves.”
In the rear of the chamber King Denethor quietly entered the chamber unnoticed. He leaned against an intricately carved pillar then bit into an apple. The king brought his hand up to his chin, observing the lesson stoically. Just then, the suit of armor began to buzz rhythmically. Cassian with sweat beginning to drip down his forehead’s breath became labored. The amethite finally raised out of his palm, humming and glowing vibrant hues of lilac. Cassian felt the fiery tingle of power flowing through his veins. The armor came to life. It creaked inelegantly across the hall like a toddler who had only just learned to walk. Cassian beamed with confidence as the armor stumbled across the hall, metal scraping against the marble floor. Did I say bumbling fool? Oh yeah, I meant shardblood extraordinaire.
Just then King Denethor coughed violently, stumbling, and catching himself on the pillar. Cassian’s eyes jumped to his father. The split second that he lost his concentration was all it took to send the suit of armor crashing to the floor. Cassian cursed under his breath, disappointed with himself for losing focus, especially with his father watching. His body language drooped, and he wished he could disappear.
Eldan’s laugh filled the chamber as he put his hands on his hips. “Don’t be so hard on yourself young lord, this is the best you’ve done yet! Using amethite for anything beyond strength and agility is incredibly difficult. Most people don’t even have a clue the crystal can be used like this.”
Cassian’s father approached and put his arm around him. “You’re far too hard on yourself, son. There exist men who try all their lives to harness this power to no avail. Eldan tells me you are improving more and more each week. You’re only seventeen, you’ve got plenty of time to master all of this yet. Maker knows you’re already more than adept at using the crystals in combat. General Atwater informed me that you put another training partner in the infirmary yesterday.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt him,” Cassian said. “It was an accident, I only meant to disarm him, and his wrist snapped like a twig.”
The king patted his son on the back, guiding him up a massive spiral staircase. Halfway up the long stairway Denethor’s leg gave out and he fell. With lightning-fast reflexes still enhanced by the crystal, Cassian caught his father and helped him to the top of the tower.
“Are you alright?” Cassian asked. “Is it your hip again?”
King Denethor grimaced and attempted to play it off before shaking his head and sighing. “My bodies not what it once was. Feels like every day I wake up and a new part of me decides it doesn’t wish to cooperate anymore.”
“Nonsense,” Cassian said, but in truth he had noticed his father’s body failing him. First it was his back, then his hip, and even his face seemed to grow more weathered by the week. Each wrinkle like a tiny crack in a fountain. It hurt to even consider, but Cassian couldn’t help but worry about his father. When might it become too much?
Upon reaching the top of the towering spire they were greeted by a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view of the capital city. Cloudreach buzzed with life. Hazy smoke bellowed out from the Undercity. Columns of travelers spilled out of the gates waiting to gain entry to the capital of Enthamere. The markets were booming with vendors selling every type of ware imaginable. From this height, the snow-capped peaks could be seen on all sides beyond the capital’s massive walls. In the Topside district, the architecture was beautiful and modern, arching buttresses and rose windows filled the skyline. A score of circular towers with interconnecting stonework bridges ascended from the buildings below.
The prince looked out over the edge of the tower and imagined being one of many birds soaring weightlessly through the sky. “If it’s alright with you, I’d like to go into the Undercity to watch the races tonight?”
Denethor rested his chin on his hand before clicking his tongue, “It’s beneath royalty to be seen rubbing elbows with the criminals and sting-addicts of the Undercity.”
Cassian rolled his eyes and scowled. The prince wondered why the citizens of the Undercity couldn’t simply behave in a civilized manner.
King Denethor turned back to look at his son, cape blowing in the wind. “You should go to the gala in the Topside district tonight. It’s being thrown by the merchant’s guild, that would be much more appropriate.”
Cassian pretended to yawn. “I’d rather stay home and play with my cats then spend an evening at a merchant’s guild gala.”
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“What did I tell you about feeding all those damn stray cats! You should be out building connections. One day when you become king you’ll need to work with the noble families and the guilds.”
“It’s just so bloody overproduced! It’s exhausting trying to keep track of all the hidden motives behind the fake smiles of those silver-tongued adders.”
“Learning to read people is an important skill for any king to possess.” Denethor crossed his arms, turning away from Cassian. “We’re receiving more reports every week of crime and violence committed by the gangs. You will not go to the Undercity, and especially not during the festival. It’s just not a place befitting a prince.”
Cassian scowled then tried to argue, “I can handle myself. Why does everyone always think of me as a helpless little bab—”
A spasm of violent coughs interrupted Cassian, Denethor brought his handkerchief to his lips and shook his head. “I’ll not hear another word on it.”
Cassian’s argument ceased when he noticed the handkerchief speckled with blood. His eyes revealed the severity of his worry. “It’s getting worse. Let me go find the maester, you need more tea.”
“Nonsense, the maester’s tea does little to make me feel better these days.” His face looked so weary and Denethor let out a big yawn as he started descending the staircase. Pausing for a moment and clinging to the handrail, he looked back over his shoulder at Cassian. “Are you ready for your date with Princess Natalya of Bohlkov tomorrow? Your mother told me she’s absolutely stunning.” King Denethor shot his son a sly wink.
Cassian shrugged. “I understand how important it is to everyone that it goes well. I’ll do my best.” Cassian’s palms grew sweaty at the thought of his upcoming meeting with Natalya.
“That’s what I like to hear. You’re a chip off the old block. I’m sure she’ll love you.” Denethor smiled at his son before disappearing down the stairwell.
Cassian looked out over the edge to the gardens and fountains far below. Nothing like the pressure of two whole kingdoms weighing down on you before a first date to bolster your confidence. Looking over his shoulder to make sure he was alone, Cassian screamed as loud as he could into the wind. Maybe I should just throw myself off the spire now.
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The senate took place in the upper chamber of the palace, a hall that was the very definition of opulence. Gathered to discuss matters of the kingdom were the lords of each major noble house, the guild leader of the merchant council, the high chancellor, the lord magister, and the king and queen. High Chancellor Grimwald was forty-five minutes into pitching his motion to expedite the opening of his amethite mining operation in the Undercity.
“Demand is growing by the week. So you see, signing the needed permits required to open my facility immediately will allow us to exponentially increase our supply of amethite. The massive and state of the art complex will not only bring great wealth long-term but also create hundreds of jobs.” Grimwald said proudly.
Lord Leoric of House Gaudreau spoke up, “While I certainly see the potential of the project, I have many concerns about the harm it could cause. Thus far, all of our amethite mining operations have been located away from densely inhabited cities. My understanding is this was done because the mining of amethite can cause long-term health risk to those nearby. Is that not still the case?”
High Chancellor Grimwald looked irritated for a split-second before his face returned to one of absolute indifference. “I appreciate your concerns, Lord Leoric, and I assure you that the claims of latent toxicity in areas surrounding our mining operations are slanderous and have been grossly exaggerated. Not only that, but geological surveys by my engineers suggest that the ground deep beneath the Undercity is the densest cluster of amethite discovered yet. Would it not be foolish to ignore this unmatched cache all because a few Undercity transients might get sick?”
Lord Magister Njal stood running his hands through his braided gray beard, “Grossly exaggerated is quite a stretch. Countless distraught families have brought their terminally ill loved ones to the Blue Tower over the last few decades. My brethren and I have seen first-hand the damage that can be caused to those who would dwell too close to the mines. Entire floors of the tower are dedicated to trying to find a cure for the stone sickness, but thus far we’ve been unsuccessful. It is my humble opinion that unprecedented cache or not it’s just far too dangerous and I...”
Lady Gwen of House Conrad slammed her goblet on the table spilling her wine before interrupting the Lord Magister, “Oh what hypocrisy is this! Njal speaks on the dangers of the mines and yet what would he even be without the amethite? He would be nothing! A soothsayer or a spiritualist. I think we’d be fools not to take advantage of this opportunity. The reward is vast and what do we stand to lose? A few filthy lowborns will fall ill? Good riddance says I. Perhaps the deaths will solve the gang problem.”
“Order in the chamber!” Shouted King Denethor shooting a piercing scowl at Lady Gwen. “I see the merit of the High Chancellors proposition. But we are not animals, and we will discuss this in a civilized manner!” Lady Gwen sat back down, eyes temporarily fixed on the tiled floor.
Queen Lillith took a drink of wine from her goblet and placed a calming hand on her husband's back, “I’m inclined to agree with the Lord Magister. While the potential is vast, I have some concerns regarding the dangers the mine could pose to our citizens, regardless of their station. With my husband's blessing I would like to delay the opening of the mining facility while I commission a proper unbiased study on the adverse effects of mining the amethite in such close proximity to citizens.”
King Denethor paused for a long minute deep in consideration, “Granted. If a few lowborn must get ill for us to take advantage of this opportunity I can stomach that cost. But I will allow my wife to commission her study on the effects. It only makes sense to have a proper understanding of the risks versus rewards before making a decision with lasting consequences.”
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Prince Cassian sat at a table in the royal garden of the palace awaiting the arrival of Princess Natalya Venyov of Bohlkov. Even though it snowed almost year-round in Cloudreach the flowers and hedges in the royal garden were in full bloom and smelled heavenly. Cassian had never truly considered how it was possible to keep the royal garden blossoming year-round. As he waited anxiously to meet Natalya, he daydreamed about adventurous alchemists creating fertilizers from rare monstrous creatures captured in the far corners of the world. He knew the truth was likely much less exciting, but his imagination was like a wildfire, difficult to keep in check at times.
His reverie was interrupted by a lovely, accented voice. “Is he simple? Why does he stare off into nothing like this?” Natalya asked her servants.
Cassian snapped back to reality and his cheeks betrayed the embarrassment he tried to hide. Sitting across from him at the table was Natalya, her white hair was extravagantly braided, and she wore a floral pattern dress with many triangular slits going down the sides. My mother was right, she is stunning. “Good afternoon, princess. It is my pleasure to finally meet you. My apologies, I was lost in thought awaiting your arrival.”
Natalya looked him up and down with a cold expression. “Well, I am here now, and it is…good… to meet you as well.” She finished her sentence abruptly and went silent.
Her inscrutable demeanor amplified his nerves and he started sweating as he struggled to find something clever to break the awkward silence. His mind felt barren like a desert, consequently his charm was dying of dehydration. “H-h-how was your trip to the capital?” Cassian stuttered nervously.
The princess of Bohlkov grimaced then shot a dour look at her attendant. “Absolutely abysmal. My useless servants drove the carriage like incompetent idiots and as a result I was motion sick most of the ride. Don’t your workers ever do maintenance on the roads? I know Enthamere hasn’t been civilized long but I felt as if I were in some back wood nation.”
“I s-s-see. That is unfortunate. Regarding the roads, I’m afraid I’ve never been out of Cloudreach, so I’m unfamiliar with them.”
Natalya’s meticulously shaped eyebrows raised sharply in surprise. “Seriously!? How has a prince like yourself never traveled abroad? The Lord of Embers created this world with so many wondrous places and so many remarkable things to see. What a pity to be trapped in these frigid and oh so dreary mountains.”
Cassian shifted nervously in his seat. “Ehh...my mother and father thought it was safest for me to remain in the capital and study. I’m the sole heir to the throne after all. Many of my professors have been from far off regions, so I’ve learned graciously from their experiences.” Natalya looked at him with a belittling leer that made him feel like a child. He began sweating profusely. “P-P-Pretty flowers, huh?” He stuttered in a tone that made his absolute embarrassment absolutely clear.
“Why do you perspire so heavily? Are you ill?”
Cassian was wishing he had thrown himself off the tower when he had the chance. He dried his forehead with his handkerchief. “You should try this wine, princess. My professor of history makes it at his vineyard in the South and brings it to the capital just for me, it’s my favorite.”
“Now we’re talking. I could use something to take the edge off after that utter nightmare of a trip.” Natalya picked up the wineglass and swirled the purple liquid with her pinky extended before taking a sip. Her face puckered and she spit the liquid out onto the nearby hedge that had been trimmed into the shape of a heart for the meeting. “Is this what passes as wine to you mountain folk?” Natalya wretched in disgust as she stood throwing her handkerchief onto the table.
“M-m-my apologies, prin—” Cassian tried to say.
“No need. I forgot I have important matters that urgently require my attention in the financial district. I must be going. Thank you for your…time, Prince Cassian.” Interrupted Princess Natalya of Bohlkov as she stormed out of the garden, her panicked servants chasing after her like chickens with their heads cut off.
Cassian sat at the table silently as well-dressed servants brought out two extravagant meals exquisitely plated on silver platters and set them on the table. “Well… I suppose that couldn’t have gone any worse.” Cassian mumbled, grabbing a turkey leg and biting into it.