The Road to Lyriandor

As the carriage slowly made its way toward Lyriandor, it traveled through the northern outskirts of Zanthera, a route that would eventually lead to Lyriandor’s borders. The main roads, bustling with activity, connected the capital cities of Ardrath and Solaryn, the central nation of the Holy Land. Solaryn, named after Solaris—the life-giving entity of the Void—stood as a testament to the continent’s unity under the Divine Mother Mythril. The central cities of Ardrath were teeming with life, populated by humans, lizardmen, dragonkin, beastmen, and other subhuman and intelligent species.

Ardrath was renowned as the hub of tools and weapon manufacturing, which made it a crucial center for trade. Despite their cultural and ideological differences, Ardrath and the northern continent of Eryndor maintained a beneficial trading relationship. Eryndor, united under the rule of Emperor Kaeluth Arvion, was a vast and cohesive land, contrasting with Ardrath’s politically fragmented states. Yet, when it came to defending their beliefs and territories, Ardrath’s collective strength was unmatched, making outright conflict between the two continents unthinkable. This fragile peace allowed both lands to flourish. Ardrath supplied tools and military equipment, while Eryndor, the sole producer of magical items such as enchanted scrolls, staves, and tomes, remained a vital trade partner.

As the caravan pressed on, Theron’s gaze was drawn to flags bearing the symbol of the Holy Assembly fluttering high in the sky. In the distance, the towering statue of the Divine Mother Mythril dominated the landscape, a beacon of faith visible even from the outskirts of Zanthera. Built upon flat grasslands and surrounded by lush forests, the statue was a source of pride for the nation and a symbol of unity for its people.

The carriage continued along the border road until one of the Royal Guards slowed his horse to align with the vehicle. Turning to Lyra, he spoke respectfully, “Lady Lyra, there is a temple dedicated to the Divine Mother Mythril ahead. Would you like to stop and offer prayers?”

Lyra glanced out of the carriage window, her gaze thoughtful. “That would be wonderful. I hope it doesn’t disrupt your schedule or cause delays in reaching Lyriandor.”

The guard smiled warmly. “Serving the Mother and her people is our greatest duty. It’s no trouble at all.”

He spurred his horse forward, leading the way to the temple. Upon arrival, Lyra stepped out to pray, her presence drawing the attention of the local townsfolk. News of an Oracle’s visit spread quickly, and the people eagerly gathered to welcome her and guide her to the monument.

Theron followed his mother out of the carriage but chose to remain outside the temple. The serene outskirts of the small settlement reminded him of Bastreo. Unlike the bustling streets of Zanthera, this area was quiet and peaceful, with only the distant sound of the ocean breaking the silence. Theron found the tranquillity refreshing, a welcome change from the overwhelming noise of the city.

One of the guards approached him and asked, “Don’t you want to explore the temple or visit the town?”

Theron hesitated before shaking his head. “No, I’ll wait here.” After a moment, his curiosity got the better of him, and he added, “But… can I hold your sword for a moment? It looks so shiny and sharp. What’s it made of?”

The guard chuckled at the boy’s eager tone. “You’re a curious one, aren’t you? These swords are forged from Drakonium, crafted from dragon scales. Unfortunately, I can’t let you hold it. Only Royal Guards are permitted to wield these weapons. But…” He smirked playfully. “If you defeat me in battle, it’s all yours!”

Theron’s eyes lit up with excitement at the mention of dragons. “Dragons? Are there dragons here? I’ve never seen one before!”

The guard nodded, amused by the boy’s enthusiasm. “Yes, there are many dragons here, especially in Lyriandor. You’ll see them soaring high in the sky.”

Theron’s imagination raced as he envisioned the majestic creatures. Growing up in the isolated town of Bastreo, he had never encountered the wonders of the wider world.

The guard continued, “Dragons often come from Caltheris, the Western Continent and the land of dragons. It’s also the home of the former dragon god, Drazhael Vytheris. Many dragons reside in Lyriandor, as it’s the first stop for those crossing the ocean from Caltheris. The Lyriandor coastline even has a major port for ships and travellers from Caltheris.”

By the time Lyra returned from the temple, the caravan was ready to continue. Theron climbed back into the carriage, his thoughts consumed by the promise of seeing dragons. The journey resumed, with Lyriandor growing closer with every passing mile. But for Theron, the sight of dragons was all he could think about, filling him with anticipation for the wonders that awaited in the land beyond.

Arrival in Lyriandor

Lyra and Theron finally reached their destination—Lyriandor, the western nation of Ardrath. Like Zanthera, Lyriandor was bustling with activity, but it was even more crowded due to its port region connecting to Caltheris. Theron’s excitement about seeing dragons was quickly overshadowed by the overwhelming concentration of Sol energy and the sheer number of people.

The journey across the border between the two nations was seamless, thanks to the meticulously maintained stone-paved roads. Unlike entering Ardrath from the outside, where strict checks like those at Zanthera were enforced, there were no internal checkpoints. Guards patrolled the borders between regions to ensure unauthorized entries didn’t occur, but within Ardrath, only a letter of authorization, local residency, or frequent travel between the nations sufficed for passage. The guards often recognized regular travelers, making additional scrutiny unnecessary.

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Although Lyra and Theron weren’t locals and lacked authorization, their escort by the Royal Guards served as undeniable proof of their right to enter. No further explanations were needed.

After traveling through the outskirts of Zanthera, the carriage began heading toward Lyriandor’s capital. However, their destination wasn’t the capital itself but a nearby city overseen by Caidar. This city housed Lyriandor’s military base and training grounds. As the Captain of the Royal Guard and a member of the Vrynn family by marriage, Caidar held considerable authority over the Royal Guards. While his decision to escort Lyra and Theron might have raised questions, Lyra’s status as an Oracle was justification enough in Ardrath, where Oracles were highly revered.

As they neared the capital, Theron began to feel increasingly worn down by the intense concentration of Sol energy. Suddenly, a giant shadow passed over the carriage, darkening the sky as if the sun had been swallowed by clouds. A deep, rumbling sound followed, unlike anything Theron had heard before.

Curious, Theron leaned out of the carriage and caught a glimpse of a massive beast flying above. Though its face had already passed out of view, he saw its four enormous wings, sharp claws on powerful legs, and a tail lined with bony spikes. Thrilled, Theron turned to his mother and exclaimed, “Is it a dragon?”

Lyra, distracted by her own thoughts, snapped out of her reverie at Theron’s excited yell. She peered out of the carriage window to observe the creature and then replied, “No, it’s not a dragon. Dragons are much larger and have only two wings. That’s a wyvern, a relative of dragons. Unlike dragons, wyverns don’t have front limbs.”

Despite learning it wasn’t a dragon, Theron’s excitement remained undiminished. He had never seen such a large flying creature before. If there were wyverns, he reasoned, there must also be dragons.

“The wyvern you saw is likely part of a convoy from one of Caltheris’ nations,” Lyra continued. “Do you see the soldier riding it? They are called wyvern riders. They tame and control wyverns.”

Theron, however, barely heard her explanation. His mind was filled with images of dragons and wyverns as he stared at the majestic creature disappearing into the sky.

Lyra couldn’t help but giggle at Theron’s awestruck expression. Watching him eased her anxiety about leaving him behind and embarking on her journey alone. She thought to herself that this was for the best. Under Caidar’s guidance, Theron would be safe and could learn about the world beyond Bastreo.

Arrival at Caidar’s Mansion

The streets became narrower and more intricate as Lyra and Theron neared their destination. In the distance, the giant flag of the Holy Assembly, hoisted atop the royal castle of Lyriandor, waved proudly, marking their arrival at the capital. However, the carriage didn’t stop there. Instead, it continued along the city’s borders toward Drevaris, the military hub of Lyriandor and the city Caidar governed.

The journey was exhausting, especially for Theron. The high concentration of Sol energy In the city weighed heavily on him, and his restlessness made sitting still for long hours difficult. Theron had spent most of his days in Bastreo outdoors, wandering freely while Lyra attended her duties as a priestess and Oracle. Often, he’d visit Orlan, who would take him on hunting trips outside Bastreo.

Theron enjoyed hunting—not just for the thrill of the chase but because it allowed him to hone his ability to sense Sol and learn about animal behavior. The game they caught would be prepared and sold by Orlan, and Theron always received a share of the earnings. Even though Lyra had the means to provide for them comfortably—thanks to Kaelion’s noble lineage—she used much of their wealth to help others, saving only what was necessary for the future. For Theron, eating food he had earned himself was a source of pride.

When Lyra was home, she tasked Theron with chores and taught him lessons from The Tome of Mythril, the sacred text for Oracles. It contained essential teachings about controlling Sol and its various forms. However, Theron’s interest in academics was minimal. Lyra, though a gifted student during her time at the Oracle Academy, struggled to convey these lessons to her son, who often resisted her efforts.

By the time the royal castle of Lyriandor came into full view, it was already afternoon. The long journey had worn Theron out, and his eyes were heavy with sleep. Suddenly, a loud bell rang through the air, startling him awake.

Lyra noticed his reaction and reassured him, “Don’t be scared. That’s the Solaryn Bell. It rings to announce the end of the day.”

Theron frowned, rubbing his eyes. “How can it be so loud from so far away?”

Lyra gave him a stern yet amused look. “If you had paid attention when I was teaching you about Sol control, you would know the answer.”

Theron ignored her tone, still curious about the bell. Sighing, Lyra explained, “The bell is infused with amplification magic, a type of Sol control that makes the sound carry over long distances.”

Theron nodded, his confusion easing, though he was still fascinated by the experience.

Lyra’s expression turned serious. “Once I leave you at Lord Caidar’s mansion, I’ll have to depart. You must behave and not cause him any trouble. I don’t know when I’ll see you again. My journey will take me to Navarind, far to the northwest. Promise me you’ll take care of yourself and let Lord Caidar know if you have any health problems. Don’t be stubborn—he’s helping us, and you should repay him with kindness.”

Theron, understanding the weight of her words, nodded solemnly. He was a boy of few words, relying on his heightened senses to read others instead of long conversations. Lyra understood this and felt reassured by his silent agreement.

As the stars began to dot the evening sky, the carriage finally arrived at Caidar’s mansion. The structure was grand yet humble, adorned with intricate carvings depicting legendary warriors and heroes. A large fountain stood at the center of a serene pond, surrounded by blooming flowers and glimmering fish. The peaceful atmosphere was complemented by a gentle breeze, making it a welcoming sight after their tiring journey.

A Royal Guard approached the carriage and informed them, “We’ve arrived at Lord Caidar’s mansion. The carriage cannot go further. You’ll need to walk from here—it’s only a short distance.”

He escorted them toward the gates, where the guards, already informed of their arrival, allowed them entry. One guard hurried ahead to notify Caidar of their presence.

As they walked, Theron trailed behind his mother, his attention captivated by the carvings on the walls and pillars. The mansion’s artistry and grandeur were unlike anything he had ever seen.

At the mansion’s entrance, maids awaited to assist them. Standing among them was a tall, imposing figure with a kind smile—Caidar himself. Despite his wealth, Caidar wore simple clothes, devoid of any jewellery or embellishment. His warm demeanor was his most striking feature.

Theron, distracted by the fish in the pond, finally turned toward the source of the welcoming voice. His sharp senses immediately tried to read Caidar’s aura, but what he perceived left him confused. Caidar’s Sol felt immense and awe-inspiring, yet it also seemed burdened, as if crumbling under its own weight. It was unlike anything Theron had sensed before.

In his bewilderment, Theron blurted out, “You’re weird, mister.”

The maids and guards froze, shocked by the boy’s audacity. A tense silence filled the air until Lyra quickly shook Theron’s shoulder and made him bow.

“I deeply apologize for his words, Lord Caidar. Please don’t take offense,” she said, her voice laced with embarrassment and urgency.

Caidar, initially taken aback, chuckled softly. “Don’t worry about it. He must be tired from the journey.” He gestured to one of the workers. “Please show them to their quarters so they can rest. If you’re hungry, the food is prepared.”

The maids guided Lyra and Theron inside, leaving Caidar standing at the entrance.

Though their meeting was brief, both Caidar and Theron left it with lingering thoughts about the other. For Theron, it was the start of a new and unfamiliar chapter in his life.