Queen's Rise

Aella's Secret

"I'm here, Aegyss." Gal entered the room, followed closely by Holan. The Cayn, though imposing in stature, was overshadowed by the massive presence of the Bearean.

Catherine addressed him, "Gal, it's time."

Gal nodded and selected a grand chair from the side. He inhaled deeply.

"I have existed since the dawn of the first age, born in The Glade on the day of the fall. After our departure, my people flourished and multiplied. My great-grandfather and great-uncle, Validon and Galadon—twins, a rarity among the Bearean—established two cities, leaving behind a legacy for us. Little did we foresee the horrors that would emerge from Validon Keep.

A boy was born during the second age of men, unremarkable, his name lost to the annals of time.

His mother perished during childbirth.

His father never recovered, blaming the boy for his wife's demise. He subjected the child to beatings and burns, leaving him a mere shadow of a person as he entered his teenage years."

Avari covered her ears in shock. "How terrible! Why didn’t anyone help him?" Gal smiled gently and gestured for her to allow him to continue. She nodded apologetically.

"The boy, now a man, bore disfigured legs and blackened eyes, his body a canvas of burns and bruises. Isolated for days on end, he learned to listen to the darkness that enveloped him, to see through it and manipulate it. The darkness became his parent and his sustenance. They conferred upon him a name, known only to him. One fateful morning, when his father opened the cellar door, the boy sprang forth and ended his life. He then uttered a dark incantation in a tongue I shall not reveal. He consumed the souls of the entire city, absorbing them, and fashioned a dark armor from their flesh. He visited a nearby forge to craft a thorned sword and a helm made from the skulls of those he had slain and absorbed. Shades bowed before him, and the darkness summoned all evil to his side.

And thus, he revealed his name..."

"Blyxx," Avari whispered in realization.

"Indeed," Gal replied softly.

"The cities, once vibrant and joyful, were renamed Veridonia and Galadoria—sisters of sorrow. You already know my story."

He paused for a sip of water.

"I departed Galadoria for a while and lived among the royal family of Illia, where my sons were born. Though rumors of war brewed in the south, we were years away from any threat.

I was tasked with educating the young Illian children, including my sons, and there was a little girl—a princess named Catherine Brii, alongside her best friend, Aella of Callow Villa."

Noticing Aeliana's puzzled expression, Gal continued, "Aella and Catherine were prodigious mages, mastering most forms of magic by the age of twelve. I spent another five years there until calamity struck. A dark curse enveloped the populace; they became as pale as bone and resorted to drinking blood."

Catherine stirred, and Gal paused to allow her to speak.

"One night, I awoke to horrified screams. My maid lay dead, and guards battled a horde that had broken through the gates. I conjured fireballs and ice shards against the vampyres. Upon reaching the throne room, I found everyone dead—my father and mother among them. A shade lurked in the corner, but Aella appeared, casting a light that sent the shade fleeing. Then, a vampyre attacked me from behind, its fangs sinking into my shoulder, and everything went dark. I grasped my father's sword and rose. My magic surged uncontrollably. The room filled with vampyres, and I saw Gal pulling Aella away.

'I will find a way to save you!' she screamed as she was dragged from the room. I wouldn’t see her again for a long time. It was after Amarra saved me that I learned of Faelynn's Remembrance and the fate of my friends." She nodded toward Gal.

"I brought Aella home and explained the events to Callow, where Aella was distraught.

'There must be a way!' she cried, diving into her books.

I stayed at the villa for a few weeks as we scoured tomes, scrolls, and records.

A distant shout resonated from the north, awakening us.

The ravens spoke of the vampyre queen being defeated by a being named Amarra—a great sorceress.

Aella wept for days.

One day, six visitors arrived at Callow.

'We are the elves, once known as the Watchers,'

It was Lyra who spoke, her voice like flowing water.

She recounted the battle of The Glade and revealed Catherine's true fate. They bestowed upon us gifts, including a tattered tome—the Wanderer’s Hymn..."

"So, it's at Callow?" Sage interjected.

"Yes," Gal confirmed, "hidden in another realm within the Villa—no one, not even you, could locate it, shadow mage."

She smiled, amusement evident in her eyes.

"Continuing...

Aella absorbed the tome and concealed it away. She learned to traverse time, but one day, she did not return. No one knew where to search for her.

Eventually, a woman came to Callow, cloaked and with raven hair, her diamond-like eyes striking. Her features bore traits from all races of men and others not of this world." Gal paused.

Aeliana leaned in. "The woman... was Amarra?"

"Correct," Gal affirmed. "She came to reassure us that Aella was safe, having fallen in love with a warrior monk in a rebuilt Veridonia, where she chose to remain. She had a daughter named Avide, in honor of her grandmother." He smiled, glancing at Aeliana. "You bear her resemblance," he remarked, causing her to blush.

"Following this, Amarra cautioned me about the fall of Galadon and Aella's invitation to Archon," he said, turning to Catherine. "The rest, you now know."

Silence enveloped the room for a moment.

"Many questions have been addressed here," Aeliana stated. "It is evident that the dragon must return to the melted keep."

Avan, conflicted, spoke up, "I do not know the way..."

"I do," Halon interjected, rising to his feet. "My company will accompany you, as in days of old." He bowed.

"Then it is settled," Aeliana declared. "Avan and the Cayn guard shall reclaim Vokrat. The dragon glass will serve us well against orc steel."

Daru added, "Send me a raven upon your arrival, and I will dispatch builders to assist with the reconstruction."

Gal approached the wall and took a peculiar tube, speaking into it as his voice echoed throughout the inn.

"Attention! All staff from Archon are welcome to accompany King Avan in reclaiming Vokrat. I release you from your obligations here as you return home. Thank you for your years of service."

Aeliana hugged Avan warmly. "You've found your home, sire," she chuckled, perhaps a tad too heartily. "Now, go reclaim it! We shall proceed to Everbright and prepare the elves. I will always love you, my brother. Safe travels."

Avan smiled. "My queen, Aegyss... It seems we both have new names." He fought back tears. "My little sister Aeliana, all grown up. If Karon could see us now... Well, he would scold us both for the troubles we've faced." They shared a laugh. "But I believe he would be proud."

They embraced once more before Avan turned to Halon. "We depart at sunrise." The Cayn nodded and began preparations. He bid his farewells and headed toward the door.

"Dragon!" Sage called out, carrying a large chest.

"I've kept this hidden away for centuries. Try it on, and have the Dwellyn adjust it as necessary."

Avan opened the chest and gasped.

Inside lay a suit of black dragon-scale armor adorned with onyx, gold, and emerald plates, the dragon insignia emblazoned on the chest.

"This was one of your father's armor sets. It rightfully belongs to you."

"Thank you All " he said

Avan was left speechless, signaling Holan to help him don the armor before retreating to his room.