The Lost Story

Chapter 2 – Nine years ago

‘How did this happen? No! No! No! No. This can’t be happening!’ How did this happen? How am I one of seven finalists in selecting Aela and La Yarham? I made sure to fail every trial given. I made sure! So, why am I sitting on this stage? Why me? Why? Why? Looking around, I caught the eyes of my family. There they sat, all smiling from ear to ear at my demise. My younger brother Lyas gave me a thumbs up, and my elder brother Zarbist blew a kiss and winked at me. How can I get out of this? I can’t be selected; I can't do this! “Why is she even here?” someone's voice rang. ‘Exactly, I shouldn’t be here, but here I sit on stage with the other finalists. How!’ “This is an honorable day; a new era begins today...” the head elder of the council began his speech. “There is no way she’ll become Aela, let alone La Yarham,” another voice rang out in my ears. “She’s just here for appearance. You know, show that even a child of Man can come this far,” someone else states. Wait, what? That must be it. Thank the stars, rivers, and fallen. I'm just here for show. I can already feel my heart rate decreasing. Now that I think of it, I don’t even know why I had any cause for concern. Upon observing the other candidates on stage, I can confidently assess that I have no cause for concern. The individuals seated on the stage are the prodigies of the most influential leaders across the seven domains. Yes, nothing to worry about.

“I wish to convey my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to partake in this esteemed trial”. I looked to the stage and saw a man bowing. I guess they are starting to eliminate people. I should start practicing my speech; I don’t want to seem ungrateful. They chose me as the honorable representative to ensure that the sons and daughters of mankind feel included. "I am honored to have been selected as a candidate, and I extend my best wishes to those who remain." One of the voices from earlier brought me out of my thoughts. On stage, a figure that looked like a hybrid of man and nymph was bowing her head. A man, whom I believe was high-profile, came to collect her. In times like these, I wish I had paid more attention to some of my mother Via's lessons. As the man guided her away, she cast a glance in my direction, and the intensity of hatred in her eyes left me bewildered. What did I do to her? Why is she glaring at me? “I extend my sincere gratitude to the honorable council for your thoughtful consideration. May your reign and that of our future ruler be prosperous”. A man's voice draws my attention away from the hateful woman. The man standing on the stage radiated strength; it didn’t hurt that he was beautiful. Like the previous woman, a high-profile man escorted him off the stage. It is almost my time to shine. I can’t wait to get this over with. I wonder what father will be making for dinner. I need to act heartbroken about this loss. Maybe he will allow me to go out and explore the outer lands if he believes I am heartbroken. “Please help me celebrate Astia as your new incoming Aela.” Wait, what? I looked around, and the woman, Astia, was walking to the stage, radiating joy. As I scanned the area, I noticed it was just me and one other man left on stage. I can't believe I got so lost in my thoughts that I missed the other… Wait, why am I still sitting on the stage? “I want to welcome Xyephire, our new La Yarham,” the elder announced, interrupting my rising panic. Springing to my feet, I started to celebrate them enthusiastically. I realized I might have appeared odd, as a few people glanced at me with concern. “All praises to you, Aela and La Yarham!" I shouted, prompting them to turn their attention towards me. I did not care how my actions were taken; all I knew was they saved me.

After several minutes of celebration, the council elder raised his hand, silencing the crowd. “Renata, would you please join me?” he stated. Finally, let's get this done so we can go home. Walking to the stage, I bowed my head to Astia and Xyephire. “Congratulations to both of you, my esteemed graces. I extend my sincere wishes for a long and prosperous reign,” I stated before turning to the council elder. "Regarding your esteemed self, there is no greater honor than to be selected as a potential candidate. I am both humbled and honored to have been selected. I believe you and the wise council have made an exemplary choice in your selection. I consider myself a humble servant to each of you. I express my gratitude for this honor; I shall now take my leave," I stated, bowing again before departing. “Renata,” he called out to me before I could escape. “Yes, my lord,” I said, bowing once again. “Come,” he called, extending his hand to me. What is going on? Oh no, I am being punished. Did they know I had initially failed everything? Did they want to make an example of me? Here, I thought being selected was the worst that could happen to me. No! No! No. What will he do? What will they do to me? Panic began to take control of me. I can feel my heart beating out of my chest. Sweat began to form on my face and hands. Please, no! “Yes, my Lord,” I say, getting to my knees in complete submission to him. “That won’t be necessary, Renata. On your feet,” he says, pulling me up to stand beside him. I nodded as he placed me in front of him, hands on either side of my shoulders. Tears filled my eyes at the realization that I might die.