The Prophesizor’s eyes were glazed with what Sorn didn’t know how to describe other than ‘wisdom’. He traced the sky with his fingers, looking at the constellations. He spoke aloud, but his voice was so low he could only be heard by the Emperor and Sorn himself.

Prophesizor: “The well, it has truly been some time. Yes, and the tail. It rises to the west, yes.”

He looked back down and turned to the crowd, raising his arms as he began to chant.

Prophesizor: “O Holy Seraph, the protector against the shadow of the wicked Demon Lord. We again, on the day you were lost, praise your selfless sacrifice. You have shielded us with your light and bestow upon us the strength to endure. You were loved by our Champion and we love you just the same. We are faithful servants under your divine wings.”

The audience remained silent, but Sorn could tell they were captivated by the words. It was almost impossible not to be. The speech was genuine and heartfelt, and the Prophesizor was a truly gifted speaker. Two strangely shaped objects of ice suddenly materialized upon the altar. They floated in the air, spinning violently as the Prophesizor lowered his arms with his eyes closed.

Prophesizor: “Tonight, we gather to unveil the words hidden amongst the stars. The destiny foretold to us by our Lord Seraph. With our exalted Emperor’s permission and the moon at its highest I will now begin the Prophecy.”

He looked towards the Emperor, who nodded, and the Prophesizor began to speak.

Crimson walls begin to crumble

The frost claims the throne’s embrace

Its tower cascades, unveiled without grace

Shadows waltz among the snow

As they mumble their spell

A hush descends and spins fate’s wheel ‘round

While the heir’s reckoning foretell

The escaped petals drift in the icy wind

The roses are long decayed

The darkness one seeks to find

Beneath the throne it’s laid

A serpent’s breath chills the night

The shroud of the people’s spite

What will end in bitter blight

All caused by the Dragon and the Second’s Flight

The radiant arc left behind illuminates the concealed

Games with hidden might

Truths are thus revealed

A spear pierces with steady aim where the rhythms softly tread

The sins of stone and human frame shall rest upon your head

The comet streaks with foul intent, bequeathing dread

And from the abyss, the boy is sent to claim the crown instead.

When the bird of the sun is reborn, true change will sweep this land

With its rise marks a new hope, forged by a frozen hand

When seven are one and one are seven

The balance will begin to unbind

The tears for the lost will mend the key

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

Bringing the truth the lost will find

The wolf and the lamb bound by union

When predator devours prey it will mark the end of the storm

Only for a larger blizzard to plague this land, with the heart of the power torn

Sorn wondered if the rhyming made the Prophecy more true.

The Prophesizor seemed to have more to say, but was cut short when a spear made a hole in his head, killing him instantly. It’s journey had not ended yet though, because it went through the Prophesizor’s skull straight to Sorn’s face. However, the man accompanying the Emperor with the circular green necklace stepped in front of Sorn, grabbing the spear and throwing it upwards.

Sorn looked over his savior’s shoulder to see Varian, expressionless as another spear formed at the top of his head. Before he could take action however, three of the other Council members made their moves in sync. Cedric’s chain was wrapped around Varian’s right arm, Freyja standing in front of him with her needle pointed at his neck, and Bjorn standing behind him, an ice ax hovering mere inches above Varian’s head.

Varian: “I must admit Cedric, this is quite the shock.”

Cedric: “I need answers Varian. I need to know what happened to Fiore before I let you act however you want.”

Freyja: “Stand down Varian. Your outburst is uncalled for.”

Varian: “Uncalled for?”

Three thin spears formulated at the exact same time, moving at immense speeds to break every weapon aimed at him faster than its owners could react.

Varian: “A comet strikes, the boy from the abyss. If you truly believe in the benefit of this country you would understand that the boy plans to take our throne. Did we not agree to wait upon the results of the Prophecy?”

As Varian spoke the image of a woman putting a lily in her hair appeared in his head.

Varian: “If you can’t make sacrifices for our people, you should die.”

Just as he was about to move, a deafening eerie sound could be heard by everyone in the vicinity. Sorn fell to the ground, his hands covering his ears. He just managed to see Keilan holding back his sister as Varian turned to face the culprit of the ability whilst covering his ears. Still on her throne, Lyra sat still, her harp of ice resting peacefully in her lap. Varian was covering his ears with his hands as he shouted at her.

Varian: “So you will oppose me too Lyra? Will you truly choose insubordination above this stain of a boy you don’t know?”

Lyra: “Are you trying to pretend we didn’t hear the rest of that Prophecy?”

Varian gave her a hateful gaze as a retort, and the beginnings of a huge spear began to formulate.

“Enough.”

A huge bird’s foot smashed down from above Varian. The one controlling it was none other than the Emperor. The different members of the Subclans had started to argue amongst each other, with some even moving towards the Stage. They all stopped the moment they saw the Emperor use his ability. The foot itself had three long talons wrapping around Varian like a cage. The leg of this talon protruded up from the back of the Emperor, his expression stern as he looked at Varian.

Below the stage, the soldiers, especially those with defined affiliations had begun to take action upon seeing their leaders' conflict, but all movement ceased when the Emperor made his move. Despite looking so frail, how easily he had subdued the strongest warrior in the Fortress brought pause to all.

Emperor: “Varian, what is this path you are treading? Your actions violate the harmony. State your intentions if you wish to avoid repercussions.”

His voice was loud enough for everyone on the Stage to hear, but anyone below would have extreme difficulty in catching just a word. Having failed at his initial task, Varian had gone from determined to annoyed. For once, he was no longer determined and nonchalant.

Varian: “My Lord, did you not hear me earlier? The boy is a threat. As per our agreement-”

Emperor: “So you make this decision without conferring? You attempt to hinder prosperity by violating written fate? Your impulsive divergence is disappointing Varian. If you wish for your freedom, you will stand down. Do I make myself clear?”

Varian looked extremely irritated, but he didn’t argue.

Varian: “Yes sire.”

The foot disappeared and he sat back at his throne. The Emperor looked down at the fallen Prophesizor. He then turned towards Sorn.

Emperor: ”You will leave now. I will discuss with the Council about our proceedings.”

Without being prompted, the man with the green amulet who had accompanied the Emperor walked in front of Sorn, putting a hand on his own chest and bowing slightly.

“I am Aran of the Gui Subclan. I am also the commander of the Royal Guard. I shall accompany you to where you need to be.”

Sorn recognized that name. It was the same as the ‘Gui twins’ he had met earlier. Sorn expected them to go back to the Marauder’s area, but to his surprise, they were walking towards the cylinder of ice that surrounded the Royal Palace.

Aran: “Darius.”

Only then Sorn noticed the other man who was accompanying the Emperor previously had been following them all along. He nodded, and a platform was formed in front of him. Aran got on, and Sorn did likewise. The platform began to raise and they shot upwards so fast, Sorn felt as though his head would pop. When they made it to the top, Aran grabbed Sorn, jumping onto the roof with him.

Aran: “Should’ve known you’ve never been on an iclator before.”

Sorn frankly had little idea what that word meant, but peering over the edge of the cylinder at the edge made him feel queasy. Even the Dome looked small judging from how high they were. He stumbled a few steps back, but Aran didn’t react. He just looked down at the Stage dispersing.

Aran: “Do you believe you are ready for the Tournament?”

This was the last thing Sorn was expecting to hear.

Sorn: “But about the Prophecy? Me taking the throne. Why would you keep me alive after hearing that?”

Aran had a slight smirk upon hearing that.

Aran: “You think highly of yourself kid. That part is not about you. And even if it was, the Royal Family as it is has greater predicaments to take care of.”

They continued to stand in silence for a few minutes.

Sorn: “Do you know Aira and Aria?”

Aran: “No.”

Another few minutes of silence.

Aran: “So it is done.”

He turned to Sorn.

Aran: “The council has agreed. You will be pardoned. Good luck in the Tournament.”

Staring in front of him, more platforms of ice came upwards. He noticed Keilan accompanied by the other Spears. They were only staring directly at him. He realized then. Varian hadn’t pardoned him. His execution would be delivered in this tournament. Then his world went pitch black.

End.