Vanieza: The Captured Kingdom

The Retired King

The day was still young but the servants of the Vaniezan Retraite Palace was in chaos. All the subjects were surprised to see the heiress, Princess Luvelia visit. On normal days, it would be the queen who would come over. Is it because the elder royal daughter is to debut that she is doing these duties? The crowd of servicemen could also not help but take notice of the fine gentleman accompanying the maiden. His flamed hair is too vibrant and those golden eyes are too piercing to ignore. Perhaps the princess came to introduce a suitable suitor to her grandfather? What else reason should this youthful beauty be here for?

The royal visitor was ushered to the drawing room to meet the head of the castle, the retired King Bedar of Vanieza. Once the female guest has settled in with her escort, the butler scurried away to call the head of the castle. "Are you nervous milady?" The scholar asked in a gentle whisper. The royal swayed her head but those crystal blue eyes say a different story. “Are you worried about Irvald?" The flamed prodigy inquired again.

The heiress opened her mouth to speak but before she could, the words got stuck on her throat. So what if she is worried for her friend? It’s not like he was left there for a long. If things go well today, they can meet up with him tomorrow. A devious thought haunted her mind "What if you came there and he is already gone?" The lady shook her head lightly and rubbed her temples "Irvald is strong, he will be fine." The maiden convinced herself.

"He will be okay." The lithe elegant man reassured. "I placed a spell on this armor." The golden orb magician confessed. "If he got injured or is in a tight situation, I would detect it your highness." There was a trace of relief on the royal's face. "Irvald will not be happy to see you there tomorrow though." The companion commented. “We share the same sentiments but we cannot do much about it."

 "Why do all of you want me kept confined in the castle?" The princess seethed. "I am not a child and I can fulfill my duties accordingly." The brunette beauty stated with conviction eye burning in fury. Just because she is born with a weak body does not equate her to be an invalid. That is the reason why she had been working so hard to develop her aura. To prove that she can protect the kingdom.

"Forgive me milady. It was not my intention to offend or underestimate your abilities." The flamed prodigy explained. "It is but natural for humans to worry about the persons closest to their heart." The elder man revealed. “It is not a sin to want someone precious be kept safe. Because if something dire occurs, the suffering will be painful to deal with.

"I am crowned Princess Luvelia of Vanieza. Nothing will come easy. I have accepted that truth long ago. Same goes for my sister, to which I must admit, I have strong sentiments about her safety." The ruler to be sighed tiredly. "But I guess we feel the same when our important people need to do risky things. However I have no choice, I need to trust Nathalia and let her be." The lovely porcelain faced lady looked up and met the handsome scholar's eyes. Her pink luscious lips began to move. “That is why you need to trust me too."

Kaema had seen a lot of beautiful women in his life time. And yet no one will ever come close to the beauty of the elder Vaniezan heiress. True that the younger shares the similar features, but the first daughter is more ethereal. Is it her soft features? The longer eye lashes she possess? The gentle voice that escapes the heiress lips? Or the overall aura emanating from that slender body? Truth be told, the crowned princess may not be aware, her emanation sends aura sensitive men in frenzy. Of course, not all scholars have this ability. But to advance aura wielders like Kaema this attraction is very strong. The crowned princess is both gorgeous in the sense of the physical and spiritual.

A ringing bell resounded signaling the arrival of the king. Both guest stood on their feet to greet the former ruler of the land. King Bedar entered the door with the posture of a dignified leader. For a man in his seventies he looked no older than fifty. The former king’s built is still the same as his prime. This must be the Vaniezan genetics people talked about. His head is crowned with gray hair, an indication of his years. The head of the palace smiled seeing the young heiress bowing to him in reverence. “Raise your head Luvelia.”

 His eyes switched to the man beside the granddaughter. His built is lean but slim. A figure not common for an ordinary man. By his robes it looks like he is a scholar. By the reflection of his aura, the flamed man seems to be a very adept magician. If he is entrusted to guard the future queen, this man must be strong. Observing further the tall man, the former king’s eyes became intrigued by the contraption on his hands. “Luvelia who is this gentleman with you?”

Kaema kept his bowing posture and listened to the lady speak. “He is Lord Kaema Maal grandfather. He is my personal adviser.” The grandparent eyed the scholar once again, so he is the descendant of Maal. It was the first time King Bedar saw a descendant from that line have orange hair. He must be a special individual.

“Raise your head Kaema.” The host ordered. “Both of you take a seat and let us get on with business.” The two guest settled themselves and Luvelia pulled out the scroll and presented it to her grandfather. “So this is the scroll Kieth told me about.” The heiress nodded in affirmation. “Kaema, take it from Luvelia’s hands and present it to me.” The adviser did as told and walked about a meter to reach the seat of the former king.

“Grandfather, Father told me your condition is only contagious to Volhan consumers. I am not drinking it, so I think such precautions are necessary.” The lady explained.

“Better safe than sorry my dear. I may not be able to attend your future wedding. But I want you in good health until then.” The senior man jested. The joke made the young woman blush. Luvelia is reminded that once she debuts suitors would start coming in. “I assume you have not been entertaining potential candidates.” The lady looked away in embarrassment.

“My liege.” Kaema knelt and presented the scroll to the former ruler. “If I may speak?” The scholar inquired and he was given permission. “Your majesty, all you need to touch the scroll. But I will be casting a healing spell just in case it aggravates your condition.” King Bedar held out his hand and touched the parchment.

As anticipated the scroll accepted the former leader. It is then concluded that the parchment will accept any member of the royal house. King Bedar unrolled the parchment and read the contents. “Luvelia are you going to Alpus?” The grandparent clarified, to which the heiress nodded. “Are you physically ready? We do have to consider your health.”

“I cannot say for certain grandfather. But I will do my best. Isn’t that how things usually are?” The maiden reasoned. “No one is really ready of what is to come. We can only maximize the results by taking each day at time.” A smile adorned the heiress face. “I promise to make the house of Vanieza proud grandfather.”

“I know you will Luvelia.” the host agreed. “Can you stay for lunch?” came the follow up offer. “I think we can both check the history of Alpus using this scroll.” The puzzled faces of the visitors pushed the retired king to speak further. “It is true that the message written on the scroll limited. But I have a special gift to view the actual moment when it was written.”

Kaema’s eyes widened in realization. King Bedar was then known for being an Artifician. They are inborn gifted individuals who can see the at most five minutes of occurrence when a physical object is made. However before doing this practice it will require some conditions to be met.

“Grandfather, I do not wish you to strain yourself further.” The granddaughter reprimanded. “The conditions to use for special skill will require immense aura and a ton of Canis.”

“Luvelia, I have no intentions of letting my crowned granddaughter into a desolate land.” The grandparent reasoned. “They are there and kept isolated for centuries due to a reason. What if they are unknowingly placing you into a trap?” The senior elaborate. “You must always be wise in every battle you face and utilize all resources for the best outcome.”       

“Kaema I believe in terms of aura density you are an Ultima. Coat Luvelia with a barrier I want her to come to me.” The scholar bowed in obedience and unleased his aura to cover the heiress. The feeling of his emanation mixing with the crowned royal felt very pleasant. It can be considered warm and comforting in a way. Does it mean their spiritualties blend well? Is it an indication of compatibility? The flamed prodigy shook his head and felt his cheeks heat up. Those are such embarrassing thoughts. His eyes travelled to the maiden who is the recipient of his admiration.

Once the crowned heiress was coated by protective aura, King Bedar released sufficient energy to reach the lady. Mixing his energy with Kaema, the former ruler is confident that the contact will not be potent. The elder skimmed through the princess’ being and searched for her aura center. The grandparent had to do it intensely since the maiden’s resources are hard to reach. After fifteen minutes, he was able to tap the source being sought.

The former kingdom head furrowed his brows. Luvelia is not an Artifician but she has peculiar aura. It’s huge and very intense that it is scorching. The grandparent decided he needs to study this further. It would require his special altar chamber. King Bedar withdrew his emancipation and gazed at the heiress. “Luvelia, there is something we need to discuss.”

Hearing the statement Kaema understood he need to exit the room. Bowing to the former king and the princess, he walked towards the door. “Would you prefer he stays Luvelia?” The grandparent inquired with a suggestive tone. He is the lady’s adviser after all.

“I prefer it be just between us grandfather.” The maiden replied. That settled, Kaema proceed to walk out the door. As the flap closed shut Luvelia looked into his grandfather’s eye. “I felt the depth of your searching grandfather. What were you seeking?”

“I was checking if you were like me an Artifician.” The elder man revealed.

“Am I?” The heiress reconfirmed. The former king swayed his head. Luvelia’s heart plummeted. Besides being intelligent, she really has nothing special to offer the battle field. “I am just lucky to be the first born. But I don’t have anything to offer.”

“Nonsense child.” The mature man consoled. “Don’t rule yourself out yet.”

“You don’t need to be kind grandfather. I am perfectly aware of my short comings..” The princess continued on to express her discontent until the elder interrupted her.

“Luvelia it is true you are no an Artifician. But you have a storage of flaming aura within you.” The grandparent explained. “You only have to harness it. In time it will manifest.” The elder man smiled gently. "That is why stay until lunch so we can sort it out."

"What need to be done grandfather?" The blue eyed beauty inquired. "As I said before, I do not want to tire you unnecessarily." The lady sighed. "My only intention was only to know if the scroll exclusively accepts royal blood only.

"Luvelia, I need you to follow me.  There is a place I need to show you." The retired king order. "But it seems I have no choice but to take Kaema with us."  The mature male confessed. Ï need someone with huge aura reserves so I won't exhaust myself. "The heiress nodded in agreement. "Now that we have a deal, let's be on our way.

Luvelia signaled Kaema to follow her and the retired king. After going through a lot of rooms, the three arrived at windowsill. The king bit his finger with blood and muttered a mantra. ""Aperta Porta Vanieza Orde Vos" Light illuminated and a portal opened. The two youths were surprised with the display of mystic power. King Bedar eyed the duo behind him. "Time to get in."

The senior walked in the portal and the two visitors followed.  It lead them to a room with a high ceiling and immaculate white walls. The energy in the room feels intense, its like increasing the aura in their body. "My liege if I may speak." Kaema inquired, his body shaking due to intensity he is feeling.

"From this point on until we exit you may speak freely Kaema." The retired ruler   ushered. "This tme, as a powerful magician I need your inputs so feel free to state your opinions."

Kaema bowed in reverence. "My liege, thank you for the honor you have bestowed upon me." Luvelia watched Kaema's expressions and body language. He was shivering and his eyes were flinching. It was like this place was driving him crazy. On the other hand as for her, she felt a burning sensation in her gut. It is not painful but the heat is hard to ignore. Is it the aura buried within her that was being explained by King Bedar earlier.

"Luvelia, Kaema this is the Vaniezan Canis Chamber." The elder revealed. "For centuries the Vaniezan household would coat these walls with the Canis of their strong oppents." The mature male explained. "However, their is a special twist. When a Vaniezan king dies, his bones would be melted mixed with there walls. "The old man smiled. "For short this Canis chamber is also the tomb of the kings."

"My liege that explains the immense energy from this place." Kaema uttered out loud. "What do I owe you that this secret has been revealed to me?"

"Luvelia, hand me the scroll. "The previous king ordered. Ï am going to check the history of this scroll." The wise man declared. "I must make sure that you will not be put in danger when you go to your mission." The princess handed the scroll. The gray haired male kneeled, opened the parchment and spread it on the white floor. "Kaema, kneel across me. Then once I do the procedure, transfer your energy to me. "The magician did as he was told.

With both hands King Bedar touched the surface of the scroll. He again casted a spell. "Orde Aperta  Reveler Passe" As the last syllable was uttered, Kaema unleashed his aura to support the former ruler. The white surroundings began to glow. Then in a few seconds a vision of the past was reflected.

The image showed a beautiful female and a man who were covered in soot. It was the woman who wrote the message on the scroll. Then she was embraced by the male. They seemed to be a couple and muttered something like leaving Vanieza for everyone's safety. The male asked the woman if it was okay to leave her family. The lady smiled and stated, in time their descendants will meet with her bloodline once again. There is nothing to fear. For now it is best to split the enemy's attention. The male then declared an oath to protect the maiden forever. And as the scroll was sealed the memory stopped.

King Bedar was breathing heavily. "My liege, stay still and I shall cast a healing spell." Kaema spoke and released his healing aura. Luvelia on the other hand grew curious of what she saw. It means the people of Alpus were former residents of Vanieza. The woman had the same features as their lineage. It means the lady was an ancestor. Did the enemy they were mentioning werewolves? It that the reason Alpus was also being attacked by the beasts? And form some reason their ancestor knew her descendants will be able to return home.

As the retired king regain his strength he let out a chuckle. "Luvelia, it seems you need to take them all back home." Then his eyes shifted to the magician. "Did you see anything?" The flamed haired boy swayed his head. The revelation surprised Luvelia. How can Kaema not see it? It was all over the walls?

"Hmmm.. " the older man contemplated. "It seems that the ancestors have accepted you to enter, but it is not yet time to share knowledge with you." The wise male revealed. "Do not be offended young man, in time things will develop for the better."

Kaema bowed his head. "No offense taken my liege." was the calm answer. "It was an honor to be in this  room. I believe not many non-Vaniezian descendants can enter this place. "The previous ruler nodded."If I was not worthy I will not be able to enter. And in I tried to force myself in, I could have died."

The revelation shocked Luvelia. Did her grandfather just placed Kaema in grave danger? And Kaema just accepted it willingly? "Grandfather, how could you throw his life away carelessly?" Luvelia was furious, the burning in within her is intensifying. Her hand began to shake due the emotions swirling within her.

"Your highness, please do not get upset with his Majesty." Kaema expressed in a calm tone. "If I am not worthy to come in here, then I am unqualified to serve you." The magician revealed. "This is the highest honor for me, besides your branding."

"Actually it is Luvelia's seal that saved you." The former king revealed. "If you weren't so dedicated to her, you would have met your demise in this sacred place." The wise elder explained. "I am relieved that such a strong magician is by my granddaughter's side."   

"You are too kind Milord." The flamed prodigy thanked the compliment. "Allow me to  assist you with aura when your majesty needs to open the portal." The magician offered. The king nodded in agreement. 

"Luvelia, for now we know tha Alpus is not an enemy. But their location might be shrouded in mystery. You might need to uncover these truths." The former king revealed. "Alplus has chosen you. Since you saw my vision right?"

"Wouldn't all pure blooded royals see it grandfather? What would have been the difference if Nathalia was here?" The heiress questioned.

The grandfather smirked knowingly. "Kaema would not be able to enter and I could have died." The elder royal answered. "Luvelia, Fate has chosen you for this task. I know you will accomplish this mission. You were born to do this." The former king approached his grandchild. " Be proud, you are the future queen of Vanieza."'

Luvelia nodded in agreement. "Grandfather, I know the lady was an ancestor. But why have we not heard about this story? Why are they not archived?" The princess could not understand why the people of Alpus had to be forgotten? Was this staged?

"Milady, I believe that they have been waiting for you all this time." Kaema spoke his thoughts out loud. "That is why all these events occurred to lead you to the solution Milady." The flamed prodigy displayed a gentle smile. "You have my loyalty and oath that I shall see you through this ordeal."

"Thank you Lord Kaema." Luvelia wholeheartedly expressed her gratitude. "I will not fail this task. As the past, present and future is counting on me."