Chapter 1 – Blood Is Thicker Than Doom

Fyrgen legend says that the Oprendelse was destroyed by a great shaking of the land. An act of Demiurge to bring King Lars to justice for his abominable actions, which led to the death of the two lovers. Over the years that followed, the royal dynasty of Valhades slowly restored their power, and the beautiful all-white marble castle of Ivorvale was built. A picturesque fortress amongst the teeming city of Citrindally, born out of a political debacle that led to the formation of Fyrgen as an independent continent, ruled by the Valhades and the Council.

— The Foundation of Fyrgen Archives, The Great Hall of Learning

~Zir~

Growing up, I always hated the sound of my name rolling off tongues. Deemed it too commonplace in our lands and faith. Being somebody who always wanted to be extraordinary, I despised that my parents chose it out of the myriad of names that would have suited me far better. I often brought it up to them, reasoning that if they wanted to identify me in a bustling crowd by shouting it out loud, a minimum of fifteen males would answer — and none of them would be me, by the way. Because I hate crowds. Anyhow, their answers remained: “Hardly anybody would refer to you by your name, son,” and “I would love to lose you in a crowd if that means you’d stop asking me that question.” Regardless, I kept popping that question until I turned ten.

Because that’s when I first heard my name from her mouth. The two syllables turned into an enchanting melody that held me in its wake — as though that were the most beautiful thing I had ever heard uttered. But then again, Slyveline Havburth has a knack for turning everything mundane into the most exquisite experience. Or she did. Who can tell? It’s been five years since our last exchanged letter, and ages since her kin made the dreadful choice that tore us apart.

My thoughts are cut short by the ringing of the telephone on the side table. I set my tome down and lean off the edge of the sofa, pulling it by the string.

“Hello?”

“Please don’t tell me you’re up thinking of her at this hour again.”

One sentence in and she’s already thrown a jab my way. Perfect start to yet another harmonious conversation with my sister.

“I’m not — and you certainly need to find a better way to greet your older brother, Uliya.”

“A stark white lie, uttered confidently in the darkness of the night. You do love finding contradictions everywhere, older brother.”

She makes the last two words sound worse than any profanity in history.

“Hold your delightful tongue for a moment and tell me why you called. I have no desire to be met with your absurd enquiries past midnight. Or ever, for that matter.”

An image of her clicking her tongue flashes in my mind as she takes a slight pause, then continues.

“Easily triggered, as usual. Regardless, we have bigger issues at hand. I received some correspondence from Father today.”

“Yeah? What did he say?”

“He wants us back home for the festival next month.”

“Why is he making a request as though it’s something special this year?”

“There was no request, and it is special. Kushiana is old enough to take over. We’ll have her crowning ceremony soon.”

A complete daze clouds my senses at her words. How could I forget?

“Are you still there?”

“Yes, yes. Forgive me. I don’t know how it slipped my mind.”

“Probably because you lather it so thoroughly with the past.”

“Save the cruel jokes for another evening. This is a big thing. Have you heard from her?”

“Not in the last two weeks. She mentioned finishing her final trial then.”

“I should speak to her. She’s stepping into something she might end up resenting for life, if we still have her after it.”

Her dramatic sigh is audible through the phone.

“I doubt it will make a difference. She’s set her mind on it. Earlier I believed she was willing to sacrifice her own freedom in exchange for ours, but now I’m certain she’s doing it out of pure intention. She’s weirdly hopeful about the choice.”

“Well, that’s her decision, however inane. But I should at least make the attempt — and if it falls against her unwavering commitment, so be it. She already carries the responsibility of being the eldest so gracefully. The least we can do is support her if she still chooses against our wishes.”

The voice on the other end has worn out considerably under the weight of our conversation. “Hmph. Let me know how that goes.” Uliya adds quietly, and hangs up.

~ Kushiana ~

Here I stand, staring out the window of my bedchamber, wondering where I might be headed today for my training, when a double knock at the door brings me back to reality.

“Come forth.”

As per tradition, Katherine appears from the other end. The years may have brought a speck of maturity to her facial features, but her childlike innocence still gleams the same within them. If it weren’t for her drab, straight silky gowns, she could easily be mistaken for one of our kin. With the thick crown of black hair woven tight enough to bring the right amount of exposure to her soft features, she’d fit right in. I noted that a long time ago. It might be helpful someday.

She bows in greeting.

I turn back to the window, too drawn to the peaceful sunny sky to look away.

“What news, Katherine?”

“Your Royal Highness.”

Her voice is its usual melody, blending into the atmosphere as though she were a part of nature itself.

“Master Hinjk has politely conveyed that today’s training session stands cancelled. He’s left for Tyutir to tend to his ailing mother.”

I let out a quiet sigh of relief. I may have grown accustomed to training as a means to keep my mind alive over the years, but any break that comes my way, rare as it may be, is wholeheartedly welcomed. Of course, this shan’t be a problem once I’m crowned — I doubt I will live long enough to fight anyone afterwards.

“Very well. Any message from Father?”

“I’m afraid not. He’s still sitting with the council.”

“Alright. I shall rest then. You may leave.”

“Apologies, but there’s a messenger for you.”

I turn around in surprise. Only because it has been so long.

“Send them up immediately.”

She nods and slips out with a subtle bow, quick enough on her feet to put lightning to shame.

Seconds later, a serene ultramarine blue raven appears on the balcony banister. The sunlight bounces off the sapphire fixed at his neck as he bows in greeting.

“Long time no see, Cecil. I hope my brother is keeping well?”

“Certainly, Your Highness. I bear no bad news.”

Raspy as his voice is, it is music to my ears. He is my brother’s truest companion, and it has been ages since I last heard from him. The longing is exceptionally cruel when you are separated from someone you were used to seeing every day.

“Speak freely.”

He nods once.

“Prince Zir has requested your presence at your earliest convenience. He’d like to convene in private with you and Princess Uliya. He apologises for not coming in person. Prior commitments make it impossible for him to travel until the coming full moons.”

I take a moment to consider it. What could the two of them possibly want to discuss so promptly?

“I shall be available there this evening. Tell them to clear their schedules. I shan’t stay long. That’s all.”

“Duly noted.”

I offer him a brief smile of dismissal, and he flies out immediately.

Royal companions cannot lie, so I know it is not bad news, but he could always come bearing a cry for help. Demiurge, protect the tiny ones from deals with the wicked.