Vanieza: The Captured Kingdom

Knightly Scholar

Princess Nathalia is in cold sweat as queen Arha looks sternly. The incident at the tower has been a huge ruckus. It almost led to serious accident. The matriarch with crossed arms is trying to keep control before speaking. “Nathalia, you could have died falling off that ledge! What were you thinking?”

“Mother, I wanted to find you urgently..” The younger tried to explain but was suddenly cut off.

“Silence! You have not received permission to speak.” The queen hissed. “You could have asked you subjects to send a message.” The second heiress lips quivered as the elder continued to speak. “Why do you always have over do things?!” The matriarch displeasure has not subsided. “Aren’t you ashamed? All the Ivory Knights saw your blunder.” The elder royal in breathed in deeply force some composure in her tone. “What would they say when your assessment day comes? Rejection is never an option!” The sovereign female voiced out furiously.

As much as the second heiress wants to talk back, she decided to keep herself in place. “Nathalia, I am perfectly aware it is Luvelia’s birthday. I am the mother for honesty’s sake.” The princess kept her head bowed. “I even brought dresses for the occasion.” The queen approached the embarrassed youth. “Maybe the king cannot come tonight, but it does not mean I will do the same.”

The daughter looked up and noticed her mother’s one eyebrow is raised. As if questioning, that they thought she would not celebrate the crowned princess birthday. “It is Luvie’s eighteenth birthday. How can I let that pass?” The matriarch voice began to soften.

“What have you got to say Nathalia?” The matron inquired in a challenging tone. The young royalty sighed. There is no way to win an argument with her mother. But at least, the reassurance of their all girls dinner will commence. In defeat the heiress swayed her head gently in silence. “If you have nothing else to say, be on your way and clean up.” The elder commanded. “Make sure to look your best tonight.”

                                                                                        -o-

Tired footsteps reverberated the hallways while Princess Nathalia’s long gown shuffles and scrapes the floor. The handmaid Gretchen and two other aids followed in silence. It was tiring, having to see the mistress being scolded by the queen. What the maiden wanted was of good purpose. The execution was rather troublesome making the purity of the intention come out wrong.

The young royal did not anticipate the matriarch's reaction. The elder did not forget what special day it is. It seemed that preparations were already made and will commence even in the absence of one attendee. Did the female sovereign find offense in the daughter’s assumption?

The group then took a stop in front of an ivory door embellished with gold trimmings. The embossed art showcases the Volhan tree with flowers in full bloom. The left part depicts night while the right represents day. A innuendo that at all times the rare flora will watch over the kingdom.

The handmaid knocked at the door three times and awaited for a response. In a split of a second Aira, the first daughter’s handmaid answered the door. Seeing the visitor, the servant bowed in respect. “Milady Nathalia, Princess Luvelia is expecting you.” Stepping aside, she opened the door wider for the guest fully enter.

At the center of the room a few feet away from the bed are two bathing tubs. Luvelia smiled fondly at the younger. The sibling was a mess, dirt is visibly scattered on the dress and some parts of were torn. The younger lady’s hair was also disheveled. Mother will definitely throw a fit seeing how the second daughter looked. However, she did it all for her. All that shenanigans because its her birthday.

Stepping closer the taller female pulled the petite into an embrace. “Mother has given you an earful.” The crowned princess stated with a sorry filled voice. “What to expect?” The later replied and pulled out a cheery voice. “Mother is aware of today and will be joining us at supper. All the effort was worth it.”

Pulling back the statuesque patted the shorter's head. “Might as well get ready. Can’t let the water get cold.” The elder invited “Being late also will never be tolerated by mother.” The smaller nodded and signaled the maids to help her undress. Each monarch headed to their designated changing partitions. Stripped down, both royals were massaged in rose oil before dipping in the warm water.

Once their full body is soaked, the ladies felt the tension exit their body. In the middle of relaxation a thought popped in Nathalia’s mind. “The white rose oil, its still in my room.”

The elder chuckled. “Don’t stress over it, I have some too. ” The first daughter eyes gazed at Aira signaling their hair should be washed. One aid for each, both holding a fine porcelain medium sized pitcher filled with essence. The contents was poured on the royal’s head. “Argan oil is good for the scalp and hair. We should look our best and enjoy the night.” The crowned princess reminded.

It took an hour to complete the bath. After taking care of the black locks, their body was scrubbed with sea salt. The procedure gave a strange prickling sensation. According to the merchant it is good to scrape off dead skin. It will make one’s appearance more rejuvenated with a rosy glow.

While being tended by the other maids, Gretchen and Aira prepared the dresses for the occasion. Once done the hand maids quickly wrapped their masters in clean cloth. Each again went to their designated changing areas.

“Milady, the color red suit you very well.” Aira praised. The gown was in passion red. The bodice is embroidered with clear crystal. The square shaped neckline is adorned with green stones. The cut slightly shows the collarbone. The sleeves of piece runs past the wrist. “Majesty, what jewelry would you like to pair this look?”

“I will decide after looking at the mirror.” The mistress answered. “But before that, we have to dry and do my hair first.”

Nathalia’s attire is also in red, but the color is paler. Her bodice is ornamented with red quartz. The neck line is also square shaped instead of stones, it has gold thread piping. The sleeves is of same ratio with the elder.

Exiting their changing spaces, Nathalia’s eyes gleamed at the how beautiful her sister is. “You look awesome Luvie!” The younger exclaimed.

“I better be in my best behavior later. Mother is already upset with me. I must make up for it.” The second princess confessed.

“I am sure she forgave you already.” The crowned heiress comforted.

The sisters decided to kill time by detailing their hair. Once done, they took pleasure in choosing accessories to beautify themselves. The siblings gave recommendations on how the other will look better.

Concluding the activities the two women enjoyed tea in Luvelia’s room. The two reviewed each other with the etiquette required for dining. If there is something they are sure of, whenever their mother is pleased she speaks more freely. It is always to best to be in the matriarch's good side.

“Luvie, why do like chamomile tea? I honestly prefer lavender. It more fragrant and relaxing to consume.” The petite questioned.

“It is a matter of preference Natie.” The younger shrugged, her sister has peculiar taste.

                                                                                       -o-

In the mean time, somewhere in an isolated land the smell of Volhan blossoms intoxicate the air. Slender fingers diligently wrote notes using a quill. Beside the note book is a cup of warm chamomile tea. “My, my, so much to document but the sun will be setting soon.” A flaming orange haired man with golden eyes muttered.

Placing down the quill, the male stretched his arms to release the tension. Feeling satisfied with the action he let out a yawn. “Time sure flies when one is busy.” The man looked out the window. The rays of light touched his pale immaculate skin. “Might as well take a bite before gearing up for duty.”

The man walked out of the stud and headed to the kitchen. Once in the area, he took out some freshly baked unleavened bread. There were still some leftover smoked sausages that was roasted from lunch. Deciding to settle with the viands, the man poured himself a glass of milk.

“Preparing Kaema?” An elder male greeted and joined the orange headed individual. “Must keep nourished. Cannot mess up at work.” The golden orb male answered with politeness. “It will be a full moon tonight. Things are bound to get troublesome.”

“Kaema, we are sent here to study Volhan capabilities. Not risk our lives testing theories on werewolves.” The bearded man argued.

“It is necessary to test theories lord Versair. Accountability to ideas presented is a scholarly responsibility.”

“What you are doing is dangerous. We all intend to go back home in one piece.” The senior scholar scolded. “Lord Versair, besides my brother I have nothing to return to.”

“You speak as if your own flesh and blood don’t like you.” The elder questioned.

“When one is in adolescence and tasked by the family to go on a suicide mission. Surely one would question their affections and intentions.” The flamed haired learned man argued. “If they all wanted me back, they should have spoken to the king in my behalf. My brother is a council member after all.”

Power struggles within families are uncommon in Vanieza. It is due to the law of inheritance appropriation. There is not much territory to manage. The first born is chosen to get the title and the land but ten percent of monetary inheritance. The logic behind is the heir can gain more in the future earning of land. The ninety percent will be divided equally to the other main house siblings. The secondary heirs can keep their estates. Due to limited properties noble houses usually share residences. The manors are split to the number of families required to use it.

Due to the limited influence to the outside world, nobles have limited access to wealth. Aside from being invited to council meetings, they are not notch above the commoners who are wealthy. However in terms of educational access, esteemed clans have the privilege to more confidential knowledge. The learned commoners can read, write, do trade and practice medicine but cannot perform ancient magic.

Vanieza enchantments root from strength of a family’s fighting history with werewolves. Nobles have a long line of knights and scholars that through the years harvested Canis. Knights strengthen their armors and swords by mixing old armors with new molten bones. It is proven that more mixtures of acquired mandibles strengthen the battle suit.

As for scholars, each member who is inclined with divinity is awarded an enhancer bracelet. The accessories elevate the effectiveness of their magic. Like the armors, the more prime ingredient is added in, the greater the potency. The scholars would use it to improve education, health, trade and agriculture.

Homes of the prestige are made of bricks and metals mixed with the mythical Canis. This gives the structures of the nobles reliant to natural eroding. It has advantage over threats of fire, earthquakes and other natural disasters.

For centuries the division of knights and scholar is definite. Some knights could be learned and some scholars can have the ability to fight. When Kaema Maal was born, things made a turn. Aside from being extremely intelligent, the flamed prodigy, as majority fondly call him can fight like a knight.

But due to his lineage, he is not given armor, a sword or even a crossbow. Society demanded him to stick to being an educator and medical practitioner. The orange haired prodigy did so, however his unique abilities has reached the attention of the king.

Within the walls of the lineage, rumors circulated that the second son is a threat to the first born. Kaema expressed and through actions falsified accusations, the elders of the clan were divided. The pressure escalated when the second heir was assigned as the crowned princess tutor. He was incriminated that the position will be used to earn the royal family’s favor.

Lord Xielon the elder sibling, tried to pacify the situation. The brothers would spend time together publicly to showcase camaraderie. The duo also collaborated with programs giving proof of unison. Even if they can afford separate manors, the two decided to live in one roof and continue to share things. The first born would also flaunt the finest grade bracelet enhancer to prove his control. Despite all efforts the house of Maal remained divided, the persecutors grew in number. The unrest is getting dangerous.

Lord Xielon was torn between his love and trust to his brother and the approval of their bloodline. The head took a risky decision. In one council meeting, the head of Maal, volunteered his gifted brother to be a representative in the Volhan grove project. Stating the younger has all the characteristic to survive and finish the task. The first mistake was, he did not consult the one being asked to partake.

It was just like yesterday when the two scholar brothers had an argument over the clan direction.

When the plan was revealed to the second, the heir made a second mistake. Admitting that the decision was in away giving in to the naysayers, the younger felt betrayed. “Kaema, I know your upset. But I need manifest my dominion. Obey and take the mission.” The older brother explained. “You must show your full submission. It will be the only way to prove you are not a threat.”

“Exiling your own sibling to desolation and possibility of death to prove you are in power.” The golden orb prodigy sadly stated. “I thought my existence meant more to you than what the clan expected of us.”

“Kaema, we tried to put things in order. It never did, we need to create a space for people to settle down.” The elder clarified.

”My absence will lead the dust to settle? After you have given in, those geezers will push again their own agenda.” The younger explained bitterly. “Together we can be strong. But you decided to break it.”

“The project is a noble cause for the kingdom.” Xielon defended. “The king’s two daughters are not qualified to under go the power ritual. It is but right to find ways to support the future queen.” The older wanted to justify his actions. “You have been taking care of the crowned princess. Don’t you want to help this student you are currently fond of?”

“I confess, to serve the crown is everyone’s duty. But it should not be tarnished with selfish acts to showcase power.” The younger retorted back and gazed at the other straight in the eye. “For the sake of everything to which our ancestors built, I will comply.” The head of the house breathed in relief. “However, dear big brother, after the task I would like permission to travel beyond the walls.”

The later was shocked with the request. “What are you saying? You can be disowned doing that. It is like an abandonment of lineage duty.”

The flamed male stood proud and rebutted. “I promise to return. There is so much to learn. It will be for best interest to gain wisdom from other places.”

“This is place is our home Kaema. All we need is here.” The first heir reasoned. Then an idea popped in his head. “Do you intend into marrying a foreigner?” The elder questioned. “The house of Maal is the oldest scholar house within the council’s inner circle. You don’t need to find relevance elsewhere.”

“Brother, I do not care for titles. And no, I wish not to marry into other cultures .” The prodigy answered back. “By the time the mission is done. Surely, I will have ways and means to aid the crown. But the wider world could offer us more.”

“We are not obsolete. Why risk your life in the wilderness Kaema? After the tasks you can enjoy the benefits of home?” Xielon could not understand why the sibling is requesting something dangerous. “You are just upset because you had to submit to me isn’t? You want to rebel in the end to get the last laugh?”

The accusation further scarred the younger. It seems that his sibling is too obsessed with appearances. “Volunteering me without consent, I am trying to understand your side. But it seems you are not making the same effort for me.” The golden eyed man clenched his fist. “Those toxic geezers, you listen to them. While you cannot award your one and only brother a request he is willing to take responsibility for.”

”Your purpose is to support me. As head of the house my decisions are absolute.” The insensitive stance struck the nail to seal the coffin.

“Big brother, that is all you see me for? Someone to grovel at your feet?” The younger looked away shivering. “I can’t believe my own kin sees me as an object.”

Breathing in to calm himself the prodigy continued to speak. “As I said before, I will take this job. After that with or without your permission, I am leaving.” The royal tutor declared.

“Let’s see if the king will grant permission without my recommendation.” The first born threatened.

“I will work hard to assure, his highness favor is earned.” The flamed gifted announced. “After all that is what everybody in this so called family is expecting me to do. Might as well fulfill it.” Having no other thing left to say, the second heir walked way.

“I have not given permission to end this conversation. Kaema come back here!” Xielon furious that the sibling is defying him.

“There is no law in the land stating a family member will be punished for walking out on a conversion. I succumbed to your request. Good bye.”

Shaking his head to pull himself back to reality Kaema sighed. “Lord Versair, I must gear up now. See you in the morning.”

The senior scholar walked by his side and held the prodigy’s shoulder. “Kaema, you proven enough.”

The golden male answered back with a doubtful face. “I need more than enough.”

Reaching a private space, the prodigy secured his makeshift skeletal claws contraption. It fits like a glove. The structure is similar to every joint and proportion of his hand, like a body extension.

The younger Maal upon harvesting Omegas was able to use its bones to create the invention. To increase durability prodigy melted his bracelet enhancers to it. With the fusion, it became a magic tool and weapon in one. The only downside of the item is it will only be useful for close combat. Meaning for effective use, the wielder must possess exceptional speed and knowledgeable in with aura manipulation. Both skills is ingrained in the flamed prodigy.

Using knowledge and agility, lanky men can join the Ivory Knights. The more enlisted reserves, the better for the kingdom. They will be helpful in warding off Omegas. The burly strong soldiers and knights will be less fatigued. More strength to face the Betas and Alphas.

The sharp claws can channel aura. A small scratch, spiked with negative energy, will be like attaching a small bomb. Once the user releases it, the aura concentration will rupture damage the werewolves’ flesh.

A constraint is if the house of scholars will donate at least ten ancient enhancer bracelets. It is a family treasure and often used for work. To overcome the obstacle, Kaema tried to find ways how to diffuse magic into the Canis to be molded as humanized claws. At least ten percent divinity is be inputted, the contraption can vessel aura in and out. The function would be sufficient for the object to serve its purpose. Scholars can help charge the contraptions. Based on current experiment, non ancient magic pieces need to be recharged after a week.

Starting the project, the prodigy and his colleagues powered up fifty pieces. He is yet to attach the claws. The location is surrounded by Volhan, werewolves barely come near. But through the years the prodigy found ways to lure Omegas. Only three more and the materials for the pincers will be complete. Once done, he will give a full demonstration on actual battle.

The new era the future queen princess Luvelia will lead, not only force and strategy will win the battle. Speed and agility with a dash of magic will be of value too. At this rate, scholars can be a part of protecting the land. Doing so, the possibility of more soldiers and knights coming back home will increase.

Throughout the years, Kaema has witnessed family after family in despair losing loved ones. He had close friends and patients part of the infantry pass away. Often he would jest survivors about being lucky in making it. In a year at least four people will frequent the clinic more than once. That is within his limited two year practice in medicine. How many of them have made it to retirement? Are the others still fighting? Did those men had the chance to get married and have a family? In his heart, he sincerely wished they did.

Securing his invention, the scholar headed out of the shelter. Compared to the stone houses back in the kingdom, the current residence is made of wood. Thanks to the surrounding trees, storms and strong winds did not bother them. As for supplies, scholars are learned men of agriculture. The residents of the grove grow their own vegetables and take care of the live stock. Two wells are available so water is not scarce. Occasionally a knight would come and bring supplies. Medicine, oil, cloth, paper, ink and other essentials which cannot be manufactured easily.

Reaching the grounds, Kaema headed to an open area in the middle of the grove. Pulling out a whistle made from eagle claws he blew into it. The sound mixed with the evening breeze. A loud screech resonated in the air. As the tone got closer, the wind became stronger. With a final cry a majestic large eagle landed. It was the same height of an adult man. The length of each wings when spread is three feet.

Kaema ten years ago saw an injured battle eagle in the very spot. Beside it is the bird in front of him right now. The young fledgling need care, the scholar took the duty to raise it. Wanting to comprehend the behavior of the animal, Kaema allocated at least an hour with it. He fondly named the passerine Griffin, like the mythical bird often depicted in books of the old.

He would feed the bird of prey meat. Chicken meat to be specific. But since supply is scarce, the flamed prodigy decided to feed werewolf meat. The nemesis beasts flesh is not fit for human consumption. The potent rabies in it does not die even if cooked. It instantly melts a humans brain once a lethal quantity is ingested. But for fauna like eagles, they can tolerate poison. Believing that  wildlife scavenges on dead werewolves, the scholar continued feeding Griffin with it. To his pleasant surprise the bird grew into humungous size.

The success was a break through. If they can successful breed others like Griffin. Archers don’t need to just perch on trees. The can attack above in the air. Fatality rate on this group will lessen. The large birds can also transport the injured immediately, chances of survival will increase. The amount of Volhan blossom to be supplied in the battle field can be larger too.

Kaema tried to repeat the experiment to other fledglings. But none had the same progress as Griffin. He concluded, that his constant visitor is a rare specie. The eagle’s parent was twice bigger than the ordinary. However, the offspring is really an impressive size.

The prodigy tried to extract some blood from the bird and create a serum to inject into three others. The attempt still did not lead to success. Could it be that Griffin is a one in a million mutation? Regardless of the origin, the educator is glad to come across the creature.

Using the bond created with the fauna, the genius trained the eagle to follow instructions. Griffin’s vocabulary is fly, stop, down, straight, left, right, back, wait, release, rest, eat and good job. The passerine was also trained on how to open a Volhan compartment.

Griffin can take a lot of roles within battle but can only full one task at time. Deciding the service needed is more of battling. Kaema thought the bird of prey to hunt. Mounting on its back the scholar gave out the order. “Fly”.

Flapping its huge wings, the being ascended. “Straight” Kaema’s eyes began to wander and search for a stray Omega. Capturing one with Griffin’s help made it possible. Thirty minutes had passed, all they could view are herds. Noticing that they are already a distance away from the grove Kaema decided to head back.

On their way back, Kaema spotted a limping and heavily injured Alpha. The curiosity got the best of him. Can he take on one in weakened state? Giving into the greed, the scholar directed the bird to dive down.

The strength of wind from the wings of Griffin threw the werewolf off balance. Flat on its back, Kaema lunged on the beast. The firs attempt was not successful. The gray maned creature managed to push him away. Even in injury the Alpha is strong but sluggish. Using his speed, Kaema sprinted in a zigzag position to confuse the nemesis. When near enough he moved into a circle. The circumference attack irritated the enemy. The creature tried to attack the flamed prodigy. But missed due to fatigue and handicap.

Sensing the gray beast is exhausted, Kaema took another chance to attack the back of its head. However he was sense. Instead of hitting the desired spot, the right shoulder was the one scratched. Backing off the scholar began to release his implanted negative aura. An explosion resounded, the was enemy in pain. Its right shoulder was dislocated and bleeding.

Seeing the opportunity, the flamed prodigy targeted the left shoulder. Third is a charm and he landed a hit. The beast fell to its knees both shoulders soaked in blood. Taking advantage, Kaema using his right clawed hand stabbed the suffering nemesis. The screech of pain resonated.

Whistling again to call back Griffin, Kaema in a hurry tried to collect the whole Alpha. The body was heavy. Unlike the Omega which weighs like an ordinary wolf. The gray creature weighs like two grown men. In less than two minutes, the flamed prodigy began to hear growls approaching. The other herd members could be heading to the area to rescue the fallen Alpha.

Unable to carry the whole body, the scholar opted to cut off two arms. Loading it on Griffins back. “Fly.” The learned man ordered. Once in a safe distance in the air, the educator spoke. “Wait”

Kaema wanted to observe what werewolves do if it sees a fallen comrade. As expected a herd of Beta and Omega approached the Alpha. The variant that walked in fours sniffed at the dead gray beast. Then the one who sniffed howled as if declaring it is dead. After giving the signal, the Omegas stepped back and three Betas approached the carcass.

The ones walking upright began consuming the Alpha. It was a vile and grotesque sight. It almost made Kaema vomit. Once the cannibalizing was complete, the Betas growled loudly. After a few seconds the brown mane turned into gray. The discovery shocked Kaema.

He accidentally found how Alphas evolve. It seems that Omegas can consume Beta and Beta to Alpha. In doing so the beast evolves. To prevent this, all Alphas must be killed and retrieved to be burned under the sun. Then Betas will not turn to the gray maned threat.

It was valuable information, he must report it to the team and send a message to his majesty. A definite strategy can now be drawn from this discovery. It is not just about winning the battle. It will be about lessening the opportunity of the opponent. Tired Kaema smiled. Having this under his belt. He can be awarded permit to travel beyond the jurisdiction of Vanieza. Hopefully the chance arrives soon to fulfill his dream.