Legends of Triovania: War of Kings and Rhaekarion

"City under attack!” A soldier gasping for breath, ran through the gates. “My king. The western army has breached the gate!" his voice louder with fear. King Aldric leaped from his chair and pulled on his armor. “I need all my guards assembled. We ride out.” His wife, Queen Elara, watched with wide eyes. Their daughter, Selina, clung to the Queen’s skirt. Outside, horns blared across Ravendor. Men were grabbing swords and shields, as the air filled with shouts and the clash of steel. Aldric kissed Elara's lips softly now. “You don’t have to ride out with me tonight.” Then he knelt and pressed his forehead to Selina's. "Be strong, my little one. Father will return soon." Elara held back tears. "Come back to us, my love." He nodded. "I will fight for our home. For you both." He turned to Selina, and lifted her chin gently. “My brave princess, remember the stories I tell you at bedtime. Heroes always win.” With one last look, he went out to lead his army. Outside the walls, the enemy gathered, led by King Vortigern Harris of Derador, commanding thousands. Their banners waved in the wind, and drums beat dreadfully. Ravendor's soldiers lined for battle even on the high walls with archers nocking arrows. "Hold the line!" King Aldric shouted. “Pull. Fire! With me... Attack!” The western army charged, slamming ladders against the walls. Their flaming arrows flying through the sky stroked roofs, men, and carts. Fires erupted in the streets of Ravendor and smoke filled the air. Swords clashed, slaying men. Aldric swung his blade, slaying foes on the left and on the right, blood soaked the ground and his sword, but their enemies kept coming, wave after wave until Ravendor's lines broke and the king grew weak. “Mummy, will father be okay?” Selina asked twisting her hands. Elara forced a smile. “He is the strongest king in all of Triovania. He will be fine.” But deep down, fear gripped her and more when a soldier soaked in blood staggered into the royal chambers and fell to his knees before her. "My queen," he gasped. "The king... King Aldric has fallen." “No... it can’t be.” Elara's heart shattered. She grabbed Selina's hand. "Come with me, darling. Quickly. We must go now." Selina's eyes became wet. "Mother, we can’t leave father." She cried softly. Elara rushed to a small box on the table. She opened it and pulled out an ancient bracelet that gleamed in the firelight. "Hurry, my love. There's no time." They slipped through a hidden door, into a secret tunnel that went down. Torches on the walls made the place bright a little and the noise of battle echoed behind them. Loyal guards waited as they emerged at the sea's edge from the exit where waves hit against rocks. Two ships bobbed in the water. “Guards, take Selina with you to Venicedon. Protect her with your lives. She’s only twelve and knows little.” Then Elara knelt before Selina. She slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. "Selina, my darling, you know how important this bracelet is to me? The symbol of our legacy and royal strength." Selina touched it. "The one from Grandmother?" Elara nodded as tears fell. "Yes. So don’t you ever lose it and don't forget all I told you about queen Clara. How she wore it through wars and hell. Always have it on you. Be very courageous, my princess. Fear no one, not even a king." Selina hugged her tight. "Mother, please come with me." Elara shook her head. "I can't, darling. I am the queen. Someday you will learn to understand why I stayed." "But Mommy..." Elara cupped her face. "You know Uncle Shylock. These men will take you to him when the ship docks in Venicedon. Let him know Ravendor has fallen and tell him I didn’t make it." Selina sobbed. "I don't want to go without you." "Trust no one, my child. And remember, I love you. More than the stars. You mean the world to me." Elara kissed her forehead, cheek, and hand. "Now go. Sail east with them and be safe." The guards helped Selina aboard before the ship pulled away. Elara stood on the shore watching until the sails faded into the night. Then she drew her sword. The kingdom of Ravendor was now on fire behind her, but she turned and ran back into it. On the ship, Selina still sobbing, curled in a corner. Tears streamed down her face, as she sniffle. Soldiers watched her with pity. One offered a blanket. "Rest, little princess. We'll keep you safe." She shook her head. "I want my mother and father only." They had sailed into the dark sea as hours passed. Lightning cracked the sky, thunder roared bringing waves that grew rough. The wind started howling, and suddenly , a storm hit hard on the ship causing it to rock like it was nothing. Soldiers shouted. "Secure the sails!" Waves crashed over the deck bringing with it water that flooded in. One man grabbed ropes. "Hold on!" The ship groaned as woods splintered beneath. "Protect the princess!" a soldier yelled. Selina held onto the rail, as her heart pounded. Fear gripped her more than ever. "Mother... Father..." she whispered. Her jaws moved, her teeth hit against teeth in the cold. Family memories flashed. Their laughter at dinner. Mom brushing her long brown hair. "You're my brave girl," Elara would say. Reading in the library. Dad kissing her before bed. "Sweet dreams, my princess." His stories of heroes too. But now everything is gone. This night stole everything. A massive wave hit again, this time it tilted the ship, throwing everyone out of the ship. Selina screamed and tumbled into the sea, covered in water, cold and dark. She choked as the waves rage the more, tossing her hard. She fought to breathe, and to be in control but could not. Suddenly , a broken plank carried by the troubled waters slammed on her head. Blood spilled, and great pain followed. Selina’s eyes shut as she sank deep into the sea along with the rest. By morning, on the southern coast of Herabor, a hunter chased an antelope. Eldric Rives nocked his arrow, as the antelope dart toward the sea. At the sight of wreckage, he left the chase and drew near to broken woods scattered on the sand carried by the waves. He ran closer when he notice a little girl’s body lying there, “Oh no, no, no...” thick blood messed up her hair. Eldric knelt and turned her gently. He checked her pulse, it’s beating faint. He quickly lifted her in his arms and ran home into the woods. By morning, Selina woke in pains, touched and felt a bandage wrapped her head. She blinked at the strange room. Saw a man sitting nearby, two boys stood beside him. Twins maybe, but a bit older than her. "You're alive," the hunter said softly, his eyes now bright, “we thought...” Selina stared, pushing herself up, then backwards, and shaking her head like she was insane. At the edge of the bed, she pulled her knees up, wrapping her arms tight. “AAAHHHH!” She screamed, loud and piercing.