Queen's Rise

Dragon's legacy

The room was large, made of dark wood, and stone floors. A large table sat in the center, with torches lighting the room.

Aeliana, Catherine, and Avari sat at the head of the table. On the other side, sat Arvandus and Elysia.

Aeliana spoke first

"We have all been drawn here by fate..." Her voice is now strong, unwavering, "The All has set us on a path that few could fathom." She nodded toward Catherine.

"During the first war, Blyxx sent his hoards into the southeast, far beyond human lands. There, in the fields lived the Eryd." She looked at Elysia, "These men traded with a sect of elves that came from all six nations. Due to their isolation, they became friends, and eventually more. The two intermingled, and became known as the half-elves." Catherine paused, "On the eve of the feast of Aria, Dryvx came into the ancient half elf capitol Southford. He demanded they bow to Blyxx."

"I remember that day well." Arvandus interjected, "excuse me, ladies, but I fail to understand what recounting this story is doing to help."

Catherine smiled, "My friends, We three lived in this time, and Aeliana has the Valai memory..." she gestured across the table to Avari, "Our friend Avari does not have any memory of this. She is merely mortal, and must learn what has been, to understand what is."

Arvandus nodded in understanding.

A cheer erupted in the main hall

"What in the name?" Catherine scoffed, "I'll flogg them all"

Aeliana smiled, "Did you hear their words?" She looked at Catherine and Avari, "Avari, could you please collect Flynn, Callum, and Daru?"

"Yes, my lady" Avari went to the door and returned with the three.... And Sage..

"I'm sorry... She insisted." Avari said

Aeliana nodded, "It's ok." And turned, "what is this commotion?" She asked

Catherine interjected, "And did I hear the name of the dragon being cheered?"

Callum and Flynn stepped forward, "Show them the sword." Flynn unsheathed his sword, and laid it up on the table.

Catherine gasped.

Aeliana laughed..

"Flynn! Where did you get this sword?"

"I've had it my entire life." He replied, "The only thing I have of my birth family.. that, and my bow that is." Aeliana was inspecting the sword.

"Talo tuu vyd... Sele cos tyr col vas.."

Avari's eyes widened...

"Is that??" Catherine interrupted"Archonian."

The entire room went silent.

"What does it say?" Flynn asked

Aeliana took a seat nearest Flynn.

"Turo..." She said in Valai, as she placed a finger upon his temple, and a thumb upon his jaw, "Relax."

Flynn closed his eyes, and took a deep breath... And another.... And another...

The room fell away.

Flynn opened his eyes.

They were now in a grand castle.. banners of green and gold, on a black field, with a great dragon in the center.

A woman was holding a baby. She was beautiful, with olive skin, dark hair, and emerald eyes. She looked worried. Flynn looked outside. The city was under siege, Cayn and Elyon fighting orcs, goblins and trolls. A man enters, wearing black armour, with gold and green, and the dragon insignia on the chest. He held a sword... Flynn's eyes widened, "That's my sword!" Aeliana was there, watching intently. She stayed silent.

"Kiva, Archon is lost.. we must secure him. I have arranged for our son to be hidden away." He motioned to the door.

A woman entered, who looked very familiar.

"Aratos, who is this woman?"

The woman walked into the light

Aeliana gasped, "grandmother?!?"

It was in fact, Aella.

"I am Aella Krys. Grand mage of Validon, heir of house Callow." She bowed, "I am at your service, your majesty."

Kiva stood, "Aratos, what have you planned here?"

The king looked grave, "The city has fallen. It's just a matter of time... My queen.. my love. We shall not see tomorrow. But he will." He motioned to the baby.

Kiva resisted at first, but in the end, understood.

"The heir must live."

Aella took the baby.

Aratos gave his sword and a bow to Aella.

The door busted open, and Dryvx entered, with a host of orcs.

Aella spoke an incantation, and was gone in a flash of light.

The scene spun away..

It was five years later.

"Karon, take the boy in... Teach him how to smith." Aella stood before Avide and Karon.. Aeliana's parents.

"What would we be able to teach an Archonian?" Avide asked.

"House Callow demands it." Aella said sternly, "keep an eye on him while I am away.. I must go South, to Everbright. Then I shall stop by Callow Villa, and return."

Karon looked conflicted"They'll be looking for him"

Aella smiled.. "I renamed him Flynn Tarkov.. a Galadorian name." She smiled as a young boy walked up. "Go play with Sella, and young Aeliana.. its ok Flynn."

She watched him walk away.

" His true name, is Avan.. fifth of his name."Heir and king of Archon. Give him this blade and bow when he turns ten."

The room spun again...

Flynn closed his eyes.

"Welcome back, Avan"

They were back in the room.

"This is Avan Ker!" Aeliana announced, " king of Archon, and the eastern kingdoms. The dragon, returned."

The others stood and bowed.

Flynn.. now Avan nodded in acceptance of his newfound title and nobility.