To my dear friend, Theon Avalon,

If you are reading this letter, it means that I have died. This is a completely normal phenomenon from what I have heard and observed through the decades of my long life. We never met in person but never before have I had a more trusted friend and ally. You have already exceeded all of my expectations when you sheltered and protected Leonard and, more importantly, Cassmira. I know it was your blade that killed Jared Kai-Metaka and, while it pained me a lot to hear about his demise, I couldn't truly be angry at you. After all, you did it to save Cassmira and prevent an even worse civil war in my Empire. You saved my wife, Matilda, and allowed Leonard to start a new life in Arcadia. I regret that I will never meet his lovely fiancée or see his children. I would like to tell them both how much I love them. But, thanks to you, they are safe and can live a happy and long life. As you may imagine, this letter breaks many Metakan customs and is a true test of your honesty. But, I'm more than sure you will pass so I'm not concerned about what Arcadia might do. The Empire of Metaka is more vulnerable now as ever and you are the only person whom I can trust with this knowledge. The enemies, domestic and foreign alike, are working in the shadows to sow discord and chaos among my people. I'm afraid that some people and forces would like to see Arcadia and Metaka at war. The truth is that, even though I know my end is near, I can't rest knowing the irresponsibility of my oldest children. I know that I am asking you for too much but I must ask you to ensure the safety of Metaka. I couldn't face my ancestors, knowing the depth of my failures, if the lands my family protected for generations were ruined or conquered. The fault is mine and only mine. But I will swallow all my pride and entreat you to stop Vettalia and Gaud if they choose to ruin my country instead of relenting leadership properly. I would prefer to see Metaka as a province of Arcadia before it is ruined by the children I failed to properly raise. While I ask you for this last favour from beyond my grave, I wouldn't dare to request anything without payment. I know there is treasure you desire more than any other: the legendary and precious mithril metal. I beg you, Theon Avalon! In exchange for all the mithril I managed to gather, I ask you to be a deterrent to anyone who attempts to invade Metaka during the succession war and, if you deem it necessary, I want you to marry Cassmira and become the next Emperor of Metaka. I sincerely hope that I am wrong and Guad and Vettalia turn into exceptionally gifted leaders. My body should be in the Sleeping Dungeon where Matilda is also waiting with your payment. I would also hope you allow her to spend the rest of her days with Leonard and Cassmira. I have broken a slew of protocols and traditions but to hell with them all. I wish we could have met before my death.

P.S.

I couldn't hope for a better match for my daughter than you. I hope you will take care of my Cassmira. She is a gentle soul and a delicate flower that will only bloom if she finds a strong protector and friend. Someone like you.

I hope we never meet in the place where all warriors rest, mighty King of Arcadia. because that would mean you have failed in your eternal duty.

With best regards and farewell my friend!

Darius Nineteenth, the late Emperor of Metaka.

The letter was handwritten with a huge effort. The letters were mostly clear and crisp but, occasionally, a smudge of ink suggested that the author was losing his strength or grip. The ink and paper were probably the best quality Metaka could produce. Its content left me in a slightly awkward position. Darius wanted me to be a Hero of old - a dashing knight on a white horse who would arrive and solve all the problems in his country. At least, he had the decency to bait me with mithril. While I wasn't the Hero he wished to see, I, most probably, was the second-best thing to it. Also, mithril.

"Theon..." Amber pouted and sat on my lap.

"Yes?" I asked with an absent voice.

"Are you all right?"

"Of course, I'm all right. I never met him in my life. I would be lying if I pretended to mourn him- it's a sad and thoughtful moment, but I'm not devastated or anything. I can offer his family my condolences and I will take Cassmira and Leonard to the Sleeping Dungeon. But despite Darius’ plea..." I exhaled. "A civil war in Metaka is imminent."

"Then why is their First Fleet here?" Luna asked a question that was bothering me as well.

"I don't know and I didn't have time to ask their Admiral... Pfff..."

"I think that something is wrong with that letter..." Aoi furrowed her brows as she passed the letter to Lavender.

"I know that it's a little bit chaotic but he was close to his death when he wrote it..." Amber said.

"No, it's not that." Aoi shook her head in denial.

"Is it a fake?" Irene tilted her head.

"No... I met Vettalia and Guad during that conference with the Union. They didn't seem incompetent to me." Aoi gathered her hair in a short ponytail and fixed it with a ribbon.

"I must agree with Aoi, Theon," Tia said while nodding as Mia read the letter. "They were cool-headed, proud but not arrogant, and diplomatic while ruthless. That's not a feat an incompetent person can pull off alone and the two of them worked together."

"Hmmm..." I nodded. "What do you suggest, my Dears?"

"Be careful, my Husband..." Mia said quietly. "It might involve forces we don't have in a battle that does not involve us."

"I'm afraid you are right. We will have to wait and see how severe their civil war is going to be. While we don’t want to involve our forces in Metaka, we can't risk the increased presence of bandits on the border." I sighed. "I believe we must tell Cassmira and Leonard."

•••

Irene, Aoi, and I teleported back to Avalon and quickly sent someone to inform the Metakan twins that we wanted to meet with them. Not more than twenty minutes later, the three of us walked to their shared office in the Metakan Embassy. Leonard and Cassmira were alone but, as I quickly confirmed thanks to my Dungeon skills, Rose was nearby. Upon seeing our facial expressions, the Twins immediately knew something was wrong. While Irene and Aoi approached Cassmira, I put my hand on Leonard's shoulder, took a deep breath, and tried to think of something comforting. There was never a good way to bring such news.

"Cassmira, Leonard... I regret to inform you that your Father has passed away. Please, accept my deepest condolences." I saw the grief fall on the siblings and it was Cassmira who started crying first.

She looked at me with her big, sad eyes and snuggled herself to me. I embraced her with my left arm since I was holding Leonard's shoulder with my right. He simply sat down as if his legs collapsed under him. I nodded at Irene and Aoi and the Saintess of Arcadia approached the other set of doors and, after opening them, let in Rose. The embarrassed Half-Elf paled when Irene whispered the reason for our presence in her ear. In the meantime, Aoi summoned the servants to bring us refreshments. I stood there for ten minutes, holding Cassmira while Rose tried to comfort Leonard. Eventually, they seemed to gather their emotions and we were able to sit down.

"I know it's hard to hear. I received a letter from your Father. A letter he wrote to me before he died." I proceeded cautiously before I realised that Darius, most probably, didn't want his children to see it. It was too late for that. "I must ask you to keep its content secret."

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They read the letter and briefly smiled or, in the case of Cassmira, blushed in embarrassment. As they each finished, they looked at me in silence.

"I will take you both to the Sleeping Dungeon where you can say your farewells to your Father," I was happy to see their faces brighten just a little bit. "If you allow me, I would like to invite Queen Theresa Iceleon with her fiancé."

"I don't see why not." Leonard nodded.

"I will pray for his soul and if you wish it, I will use my power to help him reach the afterlife," Irene offered.

"His stubborn soul will need more than just gentle guidance, Lady Irene." Zeus' voice softly reverberated across the office. "In less than three days we will finish the evacuation of the people of Iceleon. All the Gods who reside in Arcadia will be present for the funeral of your Father as guests and symbols of his greatness. We will be there to undermine any credibility of those who slander his name and prepare the ground for the war between our nations."

"Your presence would be appreciated, Mighty Zeus." Cassmira faintly smiled as he waved with an answered smile and disappeared. "I won't stand for the audacity of those who want to quarrel with our countries..."

"I'm not thrilled either." I nodded but I couldn't say I was surprised. The news about the rebellious faction within Metaka had already reached my desk. "But the rebel faction is fairly small and too vocal about their goals. I believe that when the winner of the succession war is announced, they will crush them."

"Cass, Leo, I think you should come with us to Iceleon," Aoi said slowly. "I believe it would be better for you to be with us now."

"All right..." Cassmira slowly nodded her head. "I admit that I won't be able to fulfill my duties for a while."

"Yes." Leonard agreed. "Occupying our thoughts with something else might serve us well..."

"So it's decided." Irene clapped her hands and took Cassmira's hand. "Let's go to the Temple, Cass. Leonard and Rose? Do you want to come as well?"

"Thank you, Irene." Cassmira smiled but I could see her holding in her tears. "Aoi, Theon? Would you go with us?"

"Of course, Cass." Aoi hugged her friend as we all stood up.

I just nodded. I wasn't comfortable in the temple but if my presence helped the Metakan Twins, I would go with them. While I was there, I could offer a prayer and, hopefully, the Almighty would accept it.

•••

Mia was lying on a soft sofa and looked outside our panoramic window. She observed the snow gently falling on the rooftops of the picturesque town built by the lake. An incredibly soft and fluffy blanket covered her body. Her cat-like tail was fighting a losing fight with the warm blanket to escape. It always twitched unintentionally when she fell into a thoughtful mood. Suddenly, the sound of broken glass echoed through the room and Mia turned to the sound only to see Tia playing with Amber. What once was an ornate glass flask was lying on the floor with a soft, colourful ball slowly rolling amongst the mess. They laughed and Mia sighed as she returned to watching nothing in particular outside. For twenty long years, she had done everything in her power to allow her people to live decently. She skillfully meandered through treacherous politics, internal and international alike. She never believed that she was powerful but, despite that, her efforts were paid for by the love and respect of her people.

Life was tough back then. But, as she learnt about the tragic situation of the common people of Iceleon, Mia had to reconsider what tough truly meant. Those people were no better off than slaves. Normally, she would advise against any involvement in Iceleon but her sympathies left her helpless like a small kitten. The events unfolded so fast that she had no chance to voice her objections before it was too late. What happened next, however, made her reconsider everything once more. Theresa Iceleon turned out to be the absolute opposite of the Iceleonic nobility Mia had the displeasure to meet. The young Queen was quick to abandon any tradition that caused misery to her people. Since that day, Mia just observed the young Queen and watched her efforts to learn anything the Empresses of Arcadia were willing to teach. Mia saw, in Theresa, an answer to what could have happened to herself if she had been less fortunate and the nobles of Hilgvar more powerful. But, for both of them, fate was willing to spare a smile.

Theon Avalon. He appeared out of nowhere and broke rules and customs that seemed to suffocate the people of Aderon. She always believed that those laws and customs were a stone wall which was growing taller; inadvertently dividing the people according to their birthright. He proved this wall was made of brittle glass. Wherever he walked, he was free and unbound by the rules made by other people. No chains of tradition could bind him nor would a yoke of customs slow him down. He rejected everything and laughed at everyone who thought he would play by their rules. He was a tyrant beloved by his people and hated by all who thought he was their enemy. His true enemies, however, never lived long enough to truly hate him. The man who was a friend of the Gods of Nilmerthis had a vision of the world that he successfully pushed to fruition. In the world of his dreams, there were no places for cruel nobles or bandits who oppressed ordinary people. There was no place for injustice and unfairness. His mighty armies were a testament to his strength and determination. The Inquisition was proof that he was very serious about keeping law and order.

Somehow, along the way, Mia became a part of his life and dreams. Amber, Irene, Luna, Hestia, Aoi Sora, Lavender, Freya, Cahrona, and, finally, Mia and Tia. Ten women who were admired by the people of Arcadia and called extraordinary. But how could Mia consider herself as such? Among them, she and Tia were the most ordinary... Maybe not Tia but herself? Beautiful and proud Amber was the Elemental Arch Sorceress. She possessed the mastery of magic akin to a legendary Faé and wisdom to be the prime minister of the Empire. Lithe and pristine Irene was a Saintess: she had the powers of Heaven at her command and, with a single word, capable of healing or destroying alike. Wise and intelligent Luna was a Sage and Kitsune; she, more than anyone else, had the right to stand by Theon's side. But how could anyone decline the right of a Goddess? Divine Hestia was a loving wife and she never once hesitated to use her Divine Power to aid her husband. More than once, the mere presence of the Goddess prevented wars and justified Theon's rules. The young and valiant Aoi Sora looked unimportant at first glance but appearances are deceptive. She was the granddaughter of the Grand Dragon and God Zephyr. She was still unlocking her potential but, already, she was a formidable warrior and strategist.

Lavender: oh so gentle and graceful Dryad, Lady of the Forest, Queen of the Nature... Without her and her people, Arcadia wouldn't be able to feed its people despite the advantage provided by the Dungeons. When thinking about Dungeons, no one would forget Freya. A cheerful Lady of the Dungeons who shared a unique bond with Theon because they, not only, originated from the same world but, also, Theon knew her Father. She tended to use any excuse to disappear and play with her City under the Mountain. The angelic beauty and gentle heart of Cahrona set her apart from the others but her mere presence could calm the wrath of Theon. More than once, she calmed his heart and helped him to pierce the intentions of their enemies. A Queen of the lost tribe. She was the first to see the truth about her race. Her determination allowed her people to survive and slowly rebuild within Arcadia, all the while, protected by the power and armies of Theon Avalon.

Mia looked at her hands and trembled. She and her sister were bold and determined to be with Theon. But compared to these talented and beautiful women, Mia was no one. In comparison, Tia was full of energy and enthusiastically solved any problem she found. Mia felt that she was shamelessly untalented...

"Mia!" Freya's voice snapped her from her grave mood. "Sister, you must help me!"

At first, Mia couldn't believe her ears, but the impatient Dwarven Queen tugged her out of her blanket.

"Freya? What happened?" Mia asked with an incredulous voice as she couldn't believe that Freya would need her help.

"I made a terrible mistake! Please! Only you can help me..."

"What mistake? Calm down, Freya."

"I tried to make the tax rules and organise the administration, and... And I wanted to create some customs in my city and now... I ruined everything..." Freya slowly dropped to her knees, still holding her hand.

All of Theon's wives present in the spacious living room were looking at Freya with pure horror in their eyes.

"Freya, I'm sure that Amber-"

"No! Nope! Um-uh!" Amber waved her hands in denial. "I don't play with taxes!"

"Or Luna-" Mia tried again only to be interrupted again.

"Are you joking? No way!" Luna somehow managed to back up in a deep chair that hung from the ceiling. "I have no patience for that."

"Mia, please! Only you can save my city from collapsing!" Freya begged and Mia felt a warm feeling in her heart.

Maybe she wasn't as worthless as she imagined.