Chapter 1

“Listen to my tale.”

I

Now which door was it again that led to the Grand Court? The girl asked herself. She had a puzzled look on her face as she walked around uncertainly. She could never remember the ways in the palace even though she practically grew up in it. Every wide and brightly lit hallway looked almost similar in her opinion. The frustrating thing was that no one ever bothered to place signs on the huge doors. How on Senadon was she supposed to know which was the correct pair of doors?

Turning around a corner, she heard voices. The spoken words were unclear to her. As she took a few steps into the hallway, the voices heightened to a crescendo. It sounded like an argument beyond control. She found the doors, which were left slightly opened which allowed the loud voices to resonate in the hallway. Despite the nobilities, they were arguing without reserve.

“We don’t know for sure if it is necessary to send out such a huge force like the Imperial Army to defend Grikshan City,” shot a Minister from the right side of the table.

“Are you saying we’re going to risk the capture of the Northern City by the Valkyr Empire because you assume that no help is needed?” snarled a representative from the Noble Residents who sat directly opposite the Minister who had spoken.

The members of the King’s Court of Kingdom Katelion were made up of three Houses: the House of Lords (the Noble Residents), the House of Knights (the Military Order) and the House of Laws (the Ministers). The head of the House of Knights, Knight Grand Cross Brigadier General Perrin Gyver, had a bored look on his face while watching the others biting their heads off.

It’s always about politic with these people.

“What we are suggesting is that the Imperial Army should remain on the Floating Land. The Imperial Army is the highest defence of Kingdom Katelion. We can’t just send it off all the way to the north!” A second Minister defended their point of view.

“Then what are we supposed to do? Grikshan City gave out a first class distress call. Are we going to ignore it and let our people suffer and die in those traitors’ hands?” flared another Noble Resident, rising from his seat indignantly

“We can always send the Superior Army!” snapped the oldest Minister in fury due to the stubbornness of the members of the House of Lords. “Why must the Imperial Army take up the mission? We couldn’t even confirm if it really is a genuine distress call as we couldn’t establish a connection to the city,” he added briskly.

“Isn’t it obvious?” spoke the same Honoured Resident sarcastically. “The Valkyr Empire is overthrowing the forces of the Kingdom. We can no longer uphold peace without using pure force.”

“How dare you disgrace—”

“Enough!” interrupted a young voice. The argument came to an abrupt pause as it rang through the hall. The King’s Court Ministers and the Noble Residents threw glares of daggers at one another. The tension of the atmosphere was sufficient to keep one stiff in place.

The Military Order, however, kept to their low profile. Their fights were on a battle field, not in a parliament. It was their policy to avoid involvement in politics. Second-in-command, Knight Grand Commander Five-Star General Kelve Hilan did not bother about the other two Houses. The House of Knights served only by the King’s (or the Prince’s, in this case) orders.

“Why do you speak amongst yourselves in such harsh manners? I believe my People would act more appropriately if they were invited to the King’s Court.”

“Forgive me, Your Highness but—”

The hailed one, sitting on the high chair at the head of the long table held out a hand to silence the Resident who tried to address him. He swept his eyes across the table, feeling disgusted and disappointed in his Court. Unity was falling apart quickly amongst them and there was no sign of tolerance at all.

He glanced at his Royal Advisor who stood at his right. He was doubtful of what he should say and he was sorting refuge. Nonetheless, he received only a slow nod, indicating that he must make the decision on his own.

A light grip on his shoulder made him turn to his left to meet the grim face of his trusted childhood friend, Erik Wilgate. Erik leaned close to his ear and whispered solemnly, “We can’t take the chance. The Imperial Army must go.”

He, who is the Instrument of the Light, bears the burdens of the Kingdom.

It was a painful sight for the Royal Advisor. For one so young to undergo the torments of the responsibilities of a king… if only he could spare the Prince a normal and free life. He had taught him everything he needed to be a good king and a decent man. But there were times when he must not assist him and let the Prince gain his own experience in this complicated world.

“Your Highness, please…”

“Colonel Wilgate is right. Please send the Imperial Army immediately, my Prince!” urged the Resident who sat nearest to him.

“Do not interfere with Prince Raviex’s decision, Duke Ralph,” warned the Royal Advisor coldly. The Resident retreated quietly but bitterly for he knew not to get into hot water with the Prince’s right-hand man.

Unexpectedly, Raviex slowly stood up from his throne, looking wearied. He was going to turn seventeen soon in two months or so, yet, he felt like he was seventy ever since he took over his father’s throne.

What would father choose to do if he were still here?

He finally gave his orders.

He was never there for me…

“Send the Imperial Army if you must. Defend the Northern City and protect my people with the grace of the Light.”

“Your Highness, please reconsider!” pleaded the ministers.

Tired of listening to his Court, he began walking out of the Grand Court. The girl who had been listening to the debate quickly hid herself behind a human-size display suit of armour as Raviex pushed open the door and headed off. Occupied with his thoughts, he was completely oblivious to her presence.

Before going after him, the girl caught the words of the Royal Advisor issuing orders to send out the Imperial Army for Grikshan City. Eager to get to the Prince, she hurried after him.

“Perhaps it is time you repeat the official command from the Prince, Sir Damien?” said Duke Ralph in mocked politeness.

Knowing that it was unavoidable, the Royal Advisor raised his gaze at the Court. He could only hope that the decision made by the Prince would turn out with a positive effect.

“By the orders of His Royal Highness, Prince Raviex Katelion, I, as the Royal Advisor, Sir Damien Torrez, hereby proclaim the dispatching of the Imperial Army to the Northern City, Grikshan City. May the Light guide the way and protect the Kingdom from the darkest of threats.”

II

Sweet spring breeze brushed past the wrinkled skin of an old lady. Feeling her throat getting sore and dry, she paused at her words. Regretfully, she knew she was at her limit. Her age was catching up with her a little faster than she thought.

“That is all for today, my children,” the old lady let out a sigh. “I shall continue the story another day when I am not too tired.” She was lying back on a rocking chair, seemingly at rest, leaving her grandchildren in suspense.

“But, Grandmamma, we want you to finish this tale!” pouted the girl of six, pulling at her dress. Her inquisitive heart couldn’t forgive her grandmother for cliff-hanging her and her brother.

“Come now, Kishari, Grandmamma needs her rest. We shall come back tomorrow for more of the story,” beckoned her brother who was four years older than her. He knelt down and allowed her to climb onto his back. He took leave from the elderly woman, receiving a smile and a slow nod from her.

“You promise you’ll take me here again tomorrow, Vekenai?” asked Kishari, placing her tiny arms around his neck. She let out a muffled yawn and rested her head on his shoulders.

He stood up with ease, holding onto her protectively. As he walked down a field of a thousand glorious daffodils, he turned his head to find Kishari already sound asleep.

“I promise, little Kishari, I promise,” he said quietly, smiling at her tender features.