Solaris
3295 Words
Solaris is a divine land, filled with the bravest of the warriors, but it is a cursed land, where birth is followed by destruction, thereby cleansing the land of all the existing life only to start all over again, unless the Chosen one embraces their destiny and if the miracle happens. The ruler of the land is Emperor Aldrich Mackentyre, who is old, but a wise ruler. His kingdom is called Solaris Prime or Prime. There exist many kingdoms within, ruled by distinct rulers, but all serve under the Emperor's regime. Despite the emperor's nobility, there are kings who are eagerly waiting for the right time to pounce and to usurp his position, but the only thing that is constraining them not to attack is the clan of Knightstar. The clan of Knightstar is the most feared and respected in the whole of the Prime.
According to the history, Knightstar clan had been the Emperor's supporters for generations. The Kingdom of Prime is surrounded by land on three sides and a gigantic water body on its east. The kingdom of the Knightstar clan is called The Thunder, which means a group of dragons. According to the legend, the warriors of Knightstar used to ride dragons and were also able to communicate with them. Hence, the name. However, dragons in the present times are scarce. The land of Thunder lies along the large light-blue-colored water which appears to be pure or unpolluted. The water body is colossal that no one attempts to attack the Prime through it. Knightstar's, even though ruled beside the Emperor for generations, never developed any kind of thirst for power or position. Their loyalty was the only reason for the smooth functioning of Solaris. If the thought of ruling the Solaris Prime ever gets implanted into the minds of the Knightstar clan, then it would be catastrophic and would lead to immense bloodshed. However, the enemy of Solaris is not human, it is something dark, malicious, demonic, and fiendish.
The ruler of the Thunder is Edgar Knightstar, who is a formidable warrior and the best of his time. He has three sons and a daughter. The eldest is Reagan Knightstar, the second is Cyrus Knightstar, the third is Klaus Knightstar, and the smallest of all is Sylvia Knightstar. In childhood, Sylvia was the best warrior compared to her brothers, but with time, she started to grow hatred towards the violence, which made her shift her focus to medicine instead. the land of Thunder, even though scanty compared to other kingdoms, is rich in forests. The greenery is widespread and these woods are storehouses for all kinds of medicines and Sylvia knows about each and every one of them. She is the best healer in Thunder or we might as well say in Solaris. If anyone is wounded or in need of immediate medical help, then she's the right person for the job.
Reagan Knightstar is a fierce warrior, who trains the rest of the soldiers in the Knightstar. Imagine an entire army of soldiers trained by one of the most fierce warriors. This is one of the reasons why the thought of attacking Prime never crosses anyone's mind. Despite his intimidating personality, he is friendly and peaceful, except at the training, where he acts like a savage master, he has to. Reagan has many admirers because of his modesty. He never exhibits any kind of superiority or pride over others. And his way of expressing himself has an essence of magic in it because people are easily persuaded whenever he talks. If anyone is hesitant about something and needs motivation, then he is the right person to talk to.
Cyrus Knightstar is a ruthless warrior, whose mere growl scares his opponents. In physical aspects, Cyrus is similar to his elder brother, tall and intimidating. However, Cyrus is boastful about his skills and strength and needs and expects constant appreciation. The concept of kindness and mercy is unfamiliar to him. That is the reason, even though people admire his exceptional battle and warrior skills, he is not loved by many. He is the bravest of all as he believes he is superior over every other warrior on Solaris and as a result, he is not afraid of anyone. When he leads a battle, the spirits and hopes of the fellow soldiers automatically rise and fill them with confidence that the victory is theirs, and theirs only. This behavior might seem toxic, but it one of the most needed attributes for the war. When he leads the soldiers, their minds and hearts would be filled with confidence and belief that the victory shall be theirs.
Klaus Knightstar, on the other hand, is not so tall or broad as his brothers. He is medium-sized and appears to be a normal person. He talks only when it is required, but listens all the time. He is distinct from his brothers in many aspects. He is kind, compassionate, but seldom expresses it. He never let his guard down except when he is with his sister, Sylvia, who he loves the most. He is also an intense warrior but prefers tactics over brute force. He is swift and agile and his fighting style is a feast to the eyes. He has the ability to make everything look so easy. He has the ability to mask his feelings, so it is very difficult to read Klaus. Whether he is happy? Or sad? Or afraid? No one knows. Only Sylvia can attempt to understand his emotions.
Sylvia Knightstar, the smallest of all, used to be the best combatant in her teens and also the best shield-maiden, but later gave up honing her warrior-like skills and turned into a healer. She is a gentle soul, loved and respected by everyone because the female who knew how to fight are rare and considered extraordinary at that time. She knew almost everyone in their kingdom and as her name suggests, "Spirit of the woods," she truly belonged to the forest. She recognized every species of the trees, plants and what can they be used for. She knew about all the fauna that inhabited the forests, and some might even say, she knew how to communicate with them. Most of the people who turned healthy after her treatment remarked her as an angel down earth, who heals people with her magic, but not medicine.
All the siblings are the greatest warriors of their generation, but it's very complicated to say who is the strongest one. Everyone is highly skilled in their own way of fighting. None of them was ever wounded in a fight till now.
The Thunder don't welcome outsiders, they are not even allowed to enter the land except if he is the Emperor or a wounded person or if the outsiders carry the charm of a dragon or at the times of any festival. Every citizen of Knightstar owns a set of pendants that they can give to an outsider if they feel the need to. And if any outsider possesses the pendant, they can become a member of the Thunder.
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Dinner is served, shrieks Sylvia so her father and her brothers arrive to eat. They pray to The Ra, the God of the Sun, order, kings, and the sky before they eat.
Edgar: The Emperor's son, Prince Draven's birthday is approaching in two days. One of us has to visit the Prime. Since he was born in a leap year, it occurs only once every four years, which you already know. I visited every time in the past, and I now decided to send one of you to Prime on behalf of the Knightstar clan.
Cyrus: What made you take this decision, father? If I may ask. Why the sudden change?
Edgar: You haven't explored the lands of Solaris and were confined to the territories of the Thunder all your life. It is important to know the ways of the world. You need to be ready for everything.
Klaus: I believe, we should send Reagan. He has the ability to blend in with people. He can talk without offending anyone and can return without any trouble.
Cyrus: Even if he gets into some trouble, it is bad luck for the other guy. Also, why not me, huh?
Klaus: I'm sorry, brother, but you are hot-headed and might even attempt to pick a fight with the prince and browbeat him, which is not advisable. And not everything can be dealt with violence.
Cyrus: I have a feeling that I'll hate the prince anyway. And, I'm not interested in attending some petty celebrations. Also, only the weak would choose a path other than violence, little brother.
Reagan: Don't let them manipulate your decision, father. Whoever you wish to send, we will respect your decision and abide by it. I trust you in making the right decision.
Edgar: Klaus, I want you to visit the Prime on behalf of our clan. That's my decision.
Klaus slightly bows his head signifying his acceptance, but is perplexed about why did his father select him? Although he wished to explore the land as a child, he didn't have that desire now. The only reason that is making him reluctant to leave Thunder is Sylvia.
That night, after the completion of dinner, Sylvia and Klaus lay on the shore of the ocean, looking at the clear sky, filled with innumerable stars. The ocean which appears to be serene during the day is ferocious by the night. The tides were higher and the roar and crash of the waves made a gigantic sound. It neither bothered nor scared them because they practically grew up on the shores watching the ocean every day.
Klaus: I'm not inclined towards the father's decision.
Sylvia: It was evident on your face. I believe even our father recognized it. Why don't you want to go? It was your childhood dream too.
Klaus: I'm not a child anymore, Sy.
Sylvia: You haven't answered the question yet.
Klaus: I don't want to leave you. Deep inside, I feel that I wouldn't be returning soon.
Sylvia: Never give negative thoughts a place in your heart, Klaus. A warrior is only strong when they master their control over the emotions. If your feelings and thoughts are corrupted by the negative energies, it would doom you. On the bright side, look at the sky, it is crystal clear, which is a good omen. You will serve whatever purpose that would be given to you. Don't let our rules confine you from achieving remarkable things in life.
Klaus: I trust you and I hope you are right. I promise you, Sy, I would return to you as soon as possible. Stay safe, alright?
Sylvia nods and leaves, while Klaus continues to stare at the sky. Unlike Sylvia, he didn't believe in omens. Clear skies and dark skies were one and the same to him. Despite being one of the greatest warriors, stepping out of the Thunder's territory was overwhelming, but he can mask his nervousness with ease. This ability of his made it difficult to read him. Then he shifted his gaze towards the waves of the ocean. The repeated crashing and falling of the waves, the monotonicity of which bored many people, but he somehow feels drawn towards it. He was fascinated by the perpetual motion of the waves. He wanted life to remain as to how it is currently. Thunder is the only home he had ever known, but that is about to change.
Edgar asked to meet Klaus later that night so that he could have a word with his son before he departed, to impart some wisdom to him. Reagan and Cyrus always obeyed his father's words willfully, whereas Klaus also obeyed but forcefully many a time, and his father knows about this pretty well.
Edgar: Son, are you ready to go to the Prime? I could feel some hesitance when I informed my decision.
Klaus: I am now, father.
Edgar: I understand that our opinions vary in many cases just as this. I knew you wanted Reagan to go instead of yourself. But, I assure you, son, you are the perfect man for the task at hand.
Klaus: Visiting the prince's birthday? I don't mean to offend you but I consider it to be a useless task.
Edgar chuckles at Klaus just as how fathers do when their kids act all childish. Klaus remains silent waiting for his father to tell him about the reason for his little snicker.
Edgar: I wouldn't ask one of my sons to break our sacred rule for a birthday, son. You think so less of me. There's an ulterior motive and Draven's birthday is just a facade to it. There are matters that I wish you to deal with personally with utmost care. That's the reason I have chosen you.
Klaus: What is it, father? You haven't discussed it earlier when everyone was present, which makes me wonder how much important it is. What is it that you want me to deal with?
Edgar: You are aware of the history of Solaris, right? About how the human race and the entire flora and fauna exterminate and re-born?
Klaus: Only the stories, father. Is that all real?
Edgar: I'm afraid that is real, at least a part of it. And yesterday, I sensed the presence of the Chosen One on our land. It can only mean one thing, the war is near. I want you to visit Draven's birthday and continue with your quest of finding the Chosen One. If he manages to make it here, you'll find him at the altar. Guide him, train him and prepare him for the battle. He is the only hope of our entire generation, but remember, never tell him too much that it overwhelms him. And if he doesn't show up, there's nothing we could do. The battle is lost even before it started.
Klaus: I am flabbergasted that you have chosen me for this significant duty at hand. I will protect them with my life, whoever the chosen one be, they are my responsibility. You have my word, father. But what really happens if the Chosen Ones fail?
Edgar: No one truly knows about that. Time would reveal the answer to all your questions, son. Let us all hope for the best.
Klaus: I will make it happen, father.
Edgar smiles vaguely and places his hand on Klaus's forehead. He then closes his eyes and his lips start to mumble. but make no noise, as though he is praying. Farewell, my son, he says after a while.
Klaus was all packed by the morning and was ready to leave. It was for the first time that Klaus had got a chance to step out of the territory. It was baffling him, but he could mask his expressions. He waved to his family who was standing ten feet apart with a sense of pride.
Klaus was escorted by a cart to the entrance where he asked the cart driver to stop. He got down at the entrance, turned around to look at his home for one last time before he left. He inhaled a deep breath and finally stepped out. He wanted to explore the world on foot. It was magical. The idea that he was walking out of the territory of the Thunder itself was intoxicating. He was free. The kid's desire to roam the land is finally fulfilled. He felt like a bud which is blossoming or a caterpillar that turned into a butterfly. In his perception, the world is heaven down earth. With those expectations in mind, he set out to explore Solaris.
An hour passed by, Klaus was still mesmerized by the green trees, brown roads, the chirping of the birds as though they are welcoming him. It's not that he hadn't experienced all these in Thunder, but everything feels new on the new land and he loved that feeling. All these feelings only boosted his stamina, so he wasn't tired. As he strolled for quite a while, he overhead woman's screams from the forest. He immediately headed in that direction to see what was wrong. Klaus witnessed a man threatening a tiny woman with a knife. She was trembling with fear.
Klaus: Are you alright, lady?
Man: Get the f**k out of here, you brat, or I'll skin you alive.
Klaus ignores him and continues to ask her if she was alright.
Klaus: Is that man bothering you, lady? I can take care of him if you say.
Man: Are you deaf? I said, get the f**k out of here if you want to live another day.
The lady was extremely terrified of him to speak against him.
Klaus: Why don't you fight with someone your size, you imbecile.
The man was now burning with anger, he threatens the woman to sit aside and turns to face Klaus. He marches towards Klaus with the knife in his hand. Klaus does a move that paralyzes his opponent's hands and a blow to the head turned him unconscious. As soon as he was down, Klaus walks to the woman and offers his hand to the woman to assist her to stand up. He accepts the help and stands, but she never looks him in the eye. She was wearing a green robe. Right after she stands up, before Klaus could even ask her name, she starts to undress. She unfastens the knots around her neck and the robe falls to the ground in an instant. Then she starts removing the only inner garment she was wearing inside. Klaus couldn't comprehend the situation, the mighty warrior fell silent and numb. Within a matter of seconds, she was n***d. It was the first time, he ever saw a woman in this manner. It terrified him. He knocked back into his senses and quickly rushed to pick up the robe and covered her with it.
Klaus: What are you doing?
Woman: Isn't that what you want? What every one wants?
Klaus: I am sorry if I made you feel that way. I never meant any kind of harm to you. I am only here to save you from this wretched creature. May I ask your name?
Woman: Calliope. And thanks to you for saving me.
Klaus: Do you have a home to return to, Calliope?
Calliope: Yes, it's closer.
Klaus: I'll escort you to your home then.
Calliope doesn't answer but starts walking and Klaus assumes that as a yes. On the way back, many people tease her inappropriately, look at her perversely. She neither looks at them nor stops to scold them. She keeps walking at a faster pace with her head bowed to the ground. Klaus keeps following her from a distance. If this was ever done with a person in the Thunder, they would be gutted, thinks Klaus. The world which he thought to perfect and heavenly now appeared to be stained.
When they finally reach her home, Calliope offers her thanks again. But her face did not express any gratitude. Klaus could easily tell from her expression that she doesn't believe in him yet. He didn't want to ask her more questions and trouble her, instead, he reaches for a pouch inside his robe and takes out a pendant.
Klaus: Here. I want you to have this.
Calliope: What is it?
Klaus: It's a Phoenix. More importantly, it is a means through which you can enter the land of Thunder and become a citizen of the Knightstar clan.
Calliope starts to shiver and she slowly raises her head to look at Klaus.
Who are you? she asks.
' I am Klaus Knightstar, son of Edgar Knightstar. '
- Writer
