Vanieza: The Captured Kingdom

Blood Secrets

The weather was moderate, it was a good day to flex some muscles. To indulge King Keith decided to invite Princess Nathalia for some sparring. The second daughter was ecstatic of the offer and accepted immediately. The younger heiress informed the elder in excitement. She begged the later to come see her and their father duke it out. Luvelia is not fond of fights. But since this can be considered a training exercise the successor agreed.

The two daughters with their handmaids arrived at the main assembly area. Nathalia is in her trouser fighting armor wielding the weapon of choice, the saber. The ruler is also in his gear but with lighter armor equipped with a sword. Spectators were not invited. But the soldiers around the area and few subjects inevitably could see it.

The male sovereign urged the heiress to attack first. The petite brunette in stealth charged in. The light saber combined with the small frame complimented her natural agility. The hits the maiden threw out is less in force than the ordinary male, but the response time is twice as fast. The king smirked while blocking the attacks, Irvald has been training the future commander well.

The continuous blows lasted for ten minutes. It was impressive for someone starting off fighting. The audiences stood in awe. When the young lady began to show some fatigue, the patriarch began to charge. He lightly threw a s***h where with reflex Nathilia blocked. However, due to the king’s force and weight combined, the attack had greater impact. It pushed the small female a few inches while keeping the body’s balance.

The sight made the successor’s heart skip a beat. Contrary to the lady in armor whose face is sneering. Nathalia is worked up on the display of power by the current commander in chief. Regaining confidence, she took a defensive stance challenging the seasoned fighter across her. The male sovereign pushed forward again with higher units.

The younger concentrated the weight at the lower part of her body. It will serve as anchor in absorbing the force. The impact was stronger than the first. Noticing the preparedness, to challenge it the older male gave an extra push. The action resulted the princess into getting off balanced. After a few seconds, the maiden fell back flat on the floor. With one final blow, the king swerved his blade sending Nathalia’s saber off her hand.

 Luvelia’s eyes widened in horror. Is this the type of life her younger sister will be living? Aside from that, the sibling will be exposed in poor environments under nature’s mercy. Yes Nathalia maybe strong. But that is not the lifestyle the petite is accustomed to.

“You fought well, Nathalia.” The patriarch praised. “I applaud your work ethic. Such results cannot be made possible without discipline.” The armored heiress was panting but a smile adorned her face. All efforts were worth it. This phasing is an important progress in preparation for the new blood moon war. King Kieth held out his hand to raise the daughter up. The petite took it with pride. The sparring match was deemed a success.

A shrilling sound resounded in the air. It was Griffin returning as scheduled. Luvelia’s heart felt relieved seeing the flying beast. However something was peculiar, why can she only glance orange flaming hair? Where is the brunette? The gigantic feathered entity descended and bowed to the king. Kaema upon dismounting threw himself to the ground.

The scholar’s body curled to a ball while his forehead touching the floor. The man spoke in a very apologetic voice. “Your majesty, forgive our insolence. Sir Irvald and I found the village named Alpulus hidden beneath the clouds. The situation in the area is dire. The good knight decided to stay and assist the needy while surveying more the area.”

Unless the King tells Kaema to be at ease, he remained in is prostration position. “My instructions were clear. Find the area and return before sunset.” Reiterated the king with a voice mixed with anger. “Why did you defy my orders? As the senior member you should know better!”

“Milord the population of the vicinity is dwindling.” The scholar reasoned in a respectful tone. “My liege the werewolves are feasting on those people.” Both princesses gasped at the revelation.  “Your highness, Sir Irvald decided to stay in order to protect them. A lot people were also ill and needing immediate care. He could not find it within himself to leave them.”

Indeed Irvald is too kind, something Nathalia has witnessed during the course of their training. He cannot refuse anyone in need of help. Knowing how strong the knight is, Kaema does not stand a chance in dragging him back. The best option would be leave him be and return back immediately to assist. Because not until the heir of Koane is convinced all is fine, he would keep his post. In worse cases, work himself through inhumane levels.

Kaema‘s spoke again with a begging voice. “Your majesty, Sir Irvald meant well. According to reports werewolves attack that village often. Due to its location the sunlight is blocked.” The genius recalled the silver orbs of the residents. “It seems their environment affected the development of their eyes. All the inhabitants there have silvery irises. But they can see normally.”

The new information piqued the royal’s interest. However his displeasure towards the incident is stronger. “Lord Kaema, for a smart man, did it not occur to you that there is a reason for them to be damned there?” The male sovereign questioned. “Did you and Sir Irvald pitied them to much? Aren’t we all trained to be wary of strangers?”

“Father who are these people?” Luvelia interrupted. “Why do they have a special condition?” the maiden continued. “I never read that such a race exists.” The king did not bother with the question and continued in chastising the flamed prodigy.

“Lord Kaema, tomorrow you shall stay put until further notice.” The male sovereign ordered. The knight would be made to live with his decision for the time being. “Sir Irvald made his decision. I am sure he expected the repercussions.”

The answered stung in Luvelia’s ears. Is her father serious? This is Irvald Koane, the future first night. There is something very wrong going on. “Father, we cannot abandon him there.” The princess spoke out. “What reason is it that he needs to stay there?” The king refused to acknowledge the question.

The situation is getting complicated. The scholar shared more details hoping to reveres the king’s decision. “Your majesty, the village of Alpulus has another peculiar circumstance.” The genius confessed. “The whole perimeter of locality is sealed. All of its residents are branded.” The royals were caught off guard by the revelation. Only the monarch lineage of Vanieza can brand people to subjugation.

 “Father what is this madness?” The elder princess questioned. Before she could speak further the ruler questioned the scholar.

“Lord Kaema, whose aura did you sense?” King Keith urged the flamed prodigy to answer.

“Your majesties, it is not from the incumbent royal family.” Kaema honestly answered. “My liege, I was also surprised. The energy felt familiar but ancient.” Keeping his head low the scholar took out the entrusted parchment.  “The leader of Alpulus named Ector presented me this.” With two hands he presented it to the king. “Milord, based on my assessment, there is no black magic nor curse. And yet the seal is strong, I can sense refined aura from it.” The blued eyed king stared intently at the scroll. “Your highness, Lord Ector, specifically instructed only the current leader or successor can view the content.”

“Rise up Lord Kaema.” The king instructed, the scholar did as told scroll still in hand. “Ladies, all of you go back inside.” The ruler also raised his hands signaling the guards around to step back. “Lord Kaema, it would be best to get Griffin out of here.” The genius bowed and ordered the feathered beast to fly away.

The petite princess was fidgeting and raised her hard to speak. “Father will you be okay?” No harm will happen once the scroll was opened right.

The king smiled knowingly. “I will make sure nothing does.” Furrowing his eyebrows while thinking the patriarch decided to make a request. “Nathalia, just in case go call your mother. She will know what to do after.” The ruler always depended on his beloved for damage control.

“Father, the instruction said the successor can be involved too.” The elder heiress reasoned. “It means I can stay and watch.”

“Luvelia, please I don’t want you or anybody hurt.” The ruler rebutted. “So please let me and Lord Kaema handle this.”

The first daughter did not concede. “It involves me and I need to know.” There was determination in the heiress voice. She argued that maybe her presence is required for the parchment to open.

Nathalia sighed, Luvelia may be weak in body but she is strong in spirit. “Father forgive the interruption.” The younger butted in “I believe whatever it is Luvelia can handle it. Plus you and  Lord Kaema are formidable. So all will be okay.” The second daughter reassured. The compliment received flattered the flamed scholar. The genius felt relived he has earned the respect of the petite heiress.

The male sovereign contemplated. He always preached about empowering the future queen. It seems now is the time to showcase it. “Very well then, but Nathalia you have to leave now.” The shorter heiress bowed and left the area with all the handmaids.

“Luvelia, please stand by near the door while Lord Kaema puts up the shield.” The patriarch  instructed. “Don’t hesitate to run for cover when something distasteful happens.”

Once the crowned heiress is at a safe distance. The scholar held up once again the parchment. The action was followed with an exertion of heavy aura from the flamed prodigy. The two men were soon enclosed in an energy dome.

As precaution king Kieth covered his hands and arms with dense aura. As the royal’s hands touched the scroll, the energy from the item grew stronger. This type sorcery seems to aim for one to prove their identity. Therefore it would mean blood recognition is necessary. Grasping the parchment on his right hand, the ruler bit his left thumb. As the scarlet fluid oozed out, he pressed the finger atop the tying cord. The male sovereign then recited the royal house’s stamp incantation. “Emai, Ego, Je suis, Nazeinav.”

Blue aura diffused out of the curlicue. It was a lighter azure than the emanation of the king. An indicator that the royal is still far superior. As the two overtones mixed the binding on scroll loosened. As the lock was released, the ruler signaled the flamed prodigy to maintain the barricade.

The male sovereign opened the volute and read thoroughly the contents. The ruler’s eyes mirrored extreme concerns. The grip on the scroll tightened. His facial expression cannot be deciphered if it is worry or displeasure. Rolling up the parchment once again, Kaema’s eyes was filled with anticipation. Would the ruler be giving his orders now? Or as he stated earlier they would have to wait.   

Once the surroundings are clear king Kieth glanced at Luvelia with sad eyes. What does it mean? Is it related to Irvald in away? Returning his gaze to the scholar the ruler spoke. “Only the branded can enter as confirmed in the curlicue .” The king revealed. “Only Lord Kaema can go back for him. Unless more people would be subjugated.” Staying in position the scholar’s eyes widened at the statement. “That of course is not an option I will permit.”

“Lord Kaema, you are dismissed for the day. I shall call for you when things are settled.” The flamed prodigy bowed and obliged to the king’s orders but gloom is painted across his face.

“Father, what can be done?” The crowned heiress inquired again. The male sovereign lifted his hand signaling the successor to keep quiet.

“We have things to consider. Let us talk in the study.” The ruler ordered the heiress. “Both of you, trust me on this. I only want the best for all.”

The flamed prodigy eyed the ruler heading towards Princess Luvelia. The beautiful successor’s cerulean eyes was shimmering. Her pink lips were quivering. The patriarch reached for her shoulder, the female leaned in to the ruler’s chest. Is she sobbing? The king embraced his daughter and after a minute ushered the lady inside the castle. As the two royals faded from his view, Kaema went on his way to find rest. Hopefully when his mind and body is rested he can draft a plan to suggest and help Irvald.

                                                                                        -o-

Princess Luvelia took sometime to calm as she sat inside the king’s study. “Luvelia, I have always told you not to wear the heart on your sleeve.” The maiden kept silent. “Even if that person is a dear friend or a family member.”

Irvald Koane since the age of thirteen has been accompanying missions as a healer. He had his first solo mission at fifteen and was able to harvest an Omega in that excursion. He began to do mix healer and magical duties recently. In short he is very equipped, so why was the princess crying over it? Or is she more of concerned the population living pitifully?

“Luvelia what is wrong? Why were you crying?” The patriarch inquired again. “He has been into more dangerous missions, this is nothing.” The ruler elaborated. Sir Irvald Koane is a formidable fighter, he can take on a hundred men or a pack of werewolves. The king knelt on the floor and looked at his daughter in the eye. Tell me what’s wrong?

“Father, only the branded can come in Alpulus right?” The male sovereign nodded. “But Lord Kaema is needed here in the capital. Which means only Sir Irvald is the only option who will be stationed there.” The young maiden’s lips began to quiver again. “But Nathalia needs to train with him for the new blood moon war.” Tears began to flow out of her cerulean eyes. “And if he is needed in Alpulus, my sister has to go there too.”

“So that is the reason you are crying? You don’t want to be parted with Nathalia?” The king clarified as the lady nodded in confirmation. “Do you think, your sister can actually come in the vicinity?” Azure eyes widened in wonder and ceased from sobbing. “Besides the branded, only the ruler and successor can enter the area. The scroll stated it.” The king took out the parchment and presented it to the heiress. “Hold this and you will understand.”

As Luvelia’s hand grasped the curlicue, light blue aura exuded. “It accepts you.” The father stated. “It means you can enter that village.” The male sovereign then asked a question. “Do you want to go to Alpulus?”

“I will, if you designate me father.” The maiden said with determination. “They are my people too.”

“Luvelia, go and read the contents of the scroll.” The patriarch encouraged and the princess diligently obeyed. A gasp escaped her lips upon seeing what was written inside.

The parchment contained instructions on how Alpulus and Vanieza can work together. However, it is required that the blood of the royal house be split on the Alpulus archive. It did not require death. Rather a significant amount to fill a chalet. Then it shall be transferred to the keyhole of the vault. The royal representative needs to conduct the unsealing incantation so the door of the crypt will be opened. Once it is done the secret of Alpulus can be revealed once again after a century.

“What could this knowledge be father?” The destined female inquired.

“Luvelia, tomorrow I need you to go back to your grandfather and let him touch this scroll.” The ruler instructed. “He might have a different idea than I do.”

“Why cannot you not just ask grandfather to come over?” The princess questioned. “Maybe we three can think of something.” Come to think of it, the former king never visited the castle ever since retiring. But the father and son would always exchange messages using their hawks.

“Luvelia the truth is your grandfather is sick.” The male monarch revealed. “But I cannot visit him since his illness is contagious to me, but not to you girls.” The face of the young princess was perplexed. “We have fought a lot of battles. Poison from werewolves bite and Volhan elixir creates an illness transferable in a certain perimeter.”

“Then you just don’t need to share food or use the same utensils.” The heiress answered. “Unless breathing the same air cause severe effects?” She added confused by situation. “Will being in close proximity be harmful for you both?”

“You may not notice it, but from the battles I have won my aura is infested with werewolf energy.” The patriarch explained. “Being in close proximity to an equally exposed person, the weaker can get poisoned by my emanation.” The king sighed “That is why I cannot be in the same room as your grandfather. It might result either of us dying.”

“Are you telling me all this because I am eligible for coronation now?” The eldest daughter inquired. The patriarch smile din confirmation.

“It is but right for you to know.” The ruler stood up gain and took a seat across the lady. “I am aware your insecurity about not being able to fight for the kingdom. However this trip to Alpulus as my gut says might be fundamental to win the war.” The patriarch explained. “That is why I think it is best you partake in this task.” The successor nodded in determination. “Sir Irvald will be there, so I need not worry.”

“Who will train Nathalia when he is away?” The heiress curiously asked.

“I will do it. It’s about time we take things a notch higher.” The king answered. “Nathalia still cannot consume Volhan serum. However her speed is formidable and aura reserve is decent enough. Lord Kaema can teach her to do quick healing by energy control. It will be an asset in the battle field.”

“The humanized claws seem to fit Nathalia well.” The heiress complimented. “It greatly compliments her strength and skill.”

The daughter and father finished settling their issues. The king decided to discuss the matter with the queen and future commander in chief over dinner. It is best to talk things over openly since this decision must reach a family consensus. It maybe be a kingdom matter but for the royal house it is also a family matter.