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Tenebrous, the shadow demon lord, rose in his full form and a tall, hooded humanoid entity draped in flowing black shadows that shifted as if alive. His eyes glowed with a sickly, burning crimson, and his voice, when it came, echoed across the land like a thousand voices speaking in unity, each filled with malice.
"Kingdom of Aurelia," Tenebrous intoned, his voice cutting through the storm like a blade. "You defy me with your flames, your light, and your hope. But no flame burns forever."
Captain Jace and the soldiers of Aurelia faltered, many of them trembling at the turn presence of the demon lord. Even King Icarus felt an icy chill creep into his heart, though he stood firm, his sword raised.
"You will not take Aurelia!" he bellowed, his voice a defiant roar. "And you will not harm my daughter and my kingdom!"
Tenebrous chuckled, a deep, demonic sound that seemed to rattle the earth itself. "Your daughter?" he hissed, his glowing eyes narrowing. "Ah, yes, the child born beneath the darkness. She radiates with a light that defies even my sight. Let me guess, is she a piece of hope... or a seed of ruin?"
Queen Ileria felt her heart drop as she heard the faint, trembling voice of her daughter echoing through the stone halls. She tore her gaze away from the battlefield, her pulse racing in her throat. "Irena..." she whispered, then turned sharply toward the archers above.
"Hold your fire!" she commanded, her voice sharp and unwavering. "Stop at once! The demon speaks harmful words meant to unsettle us. Don't give in to his cursed words!"
The abyssal creatures stopped as if under some unseen command, their grotesque forms shifting to face Aurelia's walls in eerie unison. Even the storm outside seemed to pause, because of a heavy tension settling over the kingdom like a dark shroud. Tenebrous's words lingered in the air, and Ileria felt a chill run down her spine, as if the very darkness was pressing against her.
She grabbed a guard passing by. "I'm going to my daughter, just command others if tenebrous started once again - understood!" she ordered. "And lock the main doors."
The guard salute courageously "Understood, your Majesty." Then he hurried to go outside.
Without waiting in the outside balcony, Ileria dashed through the halls, her silk skirts whispering against the cold stone. The storm raged outside, but inside the palace, it was eerily quiet, save for the distant, cruel laughter of the demon lurking beyond the walls.
His voice rose again, dripping with malice, cursing them. The abyssals twitched again, inching closer to the gates, just like predators waiting for the signal to attack.
Callie sat at the bedside, holding Irena's trembling hand as thunder struck and shook the window. The little girl's eyes were wide, her face pale in fear but brave. Callie stayed calm for her sake, softly humming an old lullaby, but worried on her face from the outside.
"Mama... Papa..." Irena whispered, her voice trembling a bit.
"Don't worry, I'm here," Callie soothed, though she wasn't the one the child truly needed.
Ileria didn't hesitate. She burst into the bedroom, and there was little Irena and Callie on the bed, her small frame tense as she clutched the hem of her blanket with white-knuckled hands.
Miss Callie knelt beside her, her weathered face calm, though her eyes revealed her concern.
Irena looked up, her eyes glistening with fear. "Mama... who's that scary voice?"
Ileria's throat tightened. She forced a smile and knelt beside them. "It's nothing, my brave girl. Just the wind playing tricks on us."
Callie placed a comforting hand on Irena's, her voice gentle yet firm. "The gods are watching over you, little one. No darkness can touch you here."
Ileria wrapped her arms around Irena, pulling her close and feeling the tiny heartbeat flutter against her chest. In that moment, Ileria noticed the warmth of her child was the only light that mattered. Tenebrous's cruel words still echoed beyond the walls, sending a chill down her spine. She pressed her lips to Irena's temple, whispering a prayer that only the gods could hear. For just a fleeting moment, the child's faint, unnatural glow shimmered, like a spark of defiance against the encroaching darkness.
Outside, Tenebrous's laughter faded into a low growl. The abyssals began their slow walk toward the Aurelia's gates, like shadows slinking across the ground - a wicked game starting up again at their master's command.
But in that room, Queen Ileria clung to hope. Even if it was just the last flicker left.
Queen Ileria, holding Irena close within the safety of the inner keep, felt her blood run cold at the demon's words. She clutched her child closer, whispering prayers under her breath. The infant stirred slightly, her faint glow intensifying for a moment before settling again.
While little Irena, goes silent as she heard the distant voice of the demon. But didn't understand a thing. Only scared by the demon's tone.
Tenebrous raised his arm, and the shadows around him lurched, curling and stretching towards the sky. "Aurelia!" he boomed now, making the earth itself tremble, "fight me tonight and survive maybe. But you will not escape to my curse."
The storm raged on as Tenebrous's power became at its peak. Lightning flashed in blinding shots across the sky, illuminating his towering form. He stretched his clawed hand into the kingdom, and in his voice, the dark power echoed.
"From this night forth, every child's birthday celebrated under the light of Aurelia's flame shall always bear my mark," Tenebrous announced. "A shadow that consumed within them, every time they get old, waiting to devour their light. Your legacy will fall from within, and hope will drained by your own blood."
A wave of hopelessness washed over the battlefield. Men dropped to their knees, faces white with terror. Even the Sacred Divine trembled, as if the darkness itself tried to close it.
King Icarus stood forward, his voice trembling but unyielding. "We shall not yield to your darkness, Tenebrous! Aurelia's light will never fall!"
Tenebrous cocked his head to one side, his voice dripping with mirth. "Then try resisting it, king of a dying light. But remember this: my curse is endless. No power can cut it or no prayer can undo it. You have defied me, and so your kingdom will pay the value."
With a final, thunderous roar, Tenebrous dissolved into the shadows, and his army retreat with him into the night. However, the air was heavy still with his last malice, and the storm showed no signs of mitigate.
The battlefield fell silent once more, and the soldiers of Aurelia gazed at their king, whose face was marked with despair. King Icarus turned to the palace, his heart heavy, knowing that this victory was only the beginning of a far darker struggle.
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Sunrise rose over Aurelia
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The dawn came slowly, as if even the sun itself was hesitant to rise over the kingdom of Aurelia. The storm had left its mark, and the land lay drenched in an eerie silence. The battlefield was shed with the leftovers of the night: ash scattered here and there where the shadow creatures had been brought down, and blood-stained on ground where courageous soldiers had died.
Inside the palace hall, King Icarus and Queen Ileria sat with the High Priestess and their council, faint-faced and tired-eyed. In a bed lay the little Irena, still sleeping, watched over by Miss Callie sat beside her bed and two Divinebearers standing guard with cautious care at the room's door.
The voice of King Icarus cracked the silence, heavy with grief. "Tenebrous has cursed us. I don't know what time it takes, But not just my daughter, but every child born in Aurelia's light. A shadow that grows within them... waiting."
His hand ran through his hair in distress, his strength failing him momentarily. "What does it mean? How do we fight something so mysterious?"
The High Priestess tightened her grip on her staff. "The curse is ancient and powerful," she said gravely. "But it's not unbreakable. Such dark curse always has its roots. Tenebrous's strength lies in his connection to the Underworld Realm. If we destroy that connection, the curse will weaken. But such a task would demand sacrifices beyond imagining."
Queen Ileria, her face still streaked with tears, spoke up. "What about Irena? Will her light protect her? She glowed in her bed last night, as though the gods themselves shielded her from the darkness."
The Priestess nodded slowly. "She is singular, a child born under divine favor. Her light may delay the curse... perhaps even resist it. But she cannot carry this burden alone. The kingdom must prepare, not just for her sake, but for all the children who will experience this shadow."
Icarus slammed his fist on the table, spilling anger and helplessness. "Tenebrous has declared war on our legacy, on our future. But we cannot let this happen. We need more allies, and reinforcements or anyone who will stand with us against this demon."
A council member leaned forward. "The Atlon Kingdom, Your Majesty. They have always stood as our brothers in arms. King Nalon would not refuse us aid in our darkest hour."
Icarus nodded grimly. "Then send a message to Atlon at once. Let them know of the curse, and let them understand the stakes. We cannot afford hesitation."
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Morning in Atlon Kingdom
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The second kingdom named Atlon kingdom also started to celebrate a birthday: a 9 year old child named Nathan, and King Nalon wanted to wish that Nathan will grow as a strongest noble knight, destined to both defend and lead their powerful kingdom. It's a big day for Atlon, but a strange mystery hung beyond their lives.
The grand hall of Atlon Castle was sound with joy, the sounds echoing beneath its high, arched ceilings. The banners of royal black and gold rippled with ease in the evening breeze, and the sweet smell of roasted meats and honeyed pastries filled the air. In the center of all this lay Nathan, a bright blue-eyed 9-year-old prince, his laughter so innocent it carried over the festivities.
King Nalon stood tall beside him, his deep voice echoing as he spoke to the crowd. "Today, we celebrate not just my son's birthday but the promise he brings to our kingdom! Nathan is destined for greatness, and I know he will grow to be a noble knight who will lead Atlon with strength and honor!"
The guests erupted into cheers, lifting their goblets high. "To Nathan! The future of Atlon!"
Nathan grinned up at his father, then at his mother, Queen Rhea, who sat gracefully nearby. Her gentle smile reassured him as she nodded her approval. Despite the festive air, a flicker of worry crossed her features, her motherly instincts sensing a weight in the room that others hadn't noticed.
As the evening progressed, Nathan's laughter echoed as he darted between the tables, showing off the carved wooden sword gifted by Sir Galen. "Look, Mother! I'll be the strongest knight, just like my Father!" he exclaimed, swunging the small weapon with all the courage his tiny frame could lay.
Queen Rhea extended her arms for him, pulling him into a kind embrace. "Yes, dear," she said softly, the voice barely holding steady. "But remember that a true knight not only protects himself with strength, but also does so with kindness and justice of heart."
The celebration continued, but as the night wore on, King Nalon noticed a figure slipping through the crowd, a Herald, faint-faced and urgent. The man's armor bore signs of a long journey, mud splattered on his boots. Nalon stepped aside to hear him speak, and as the Herald's whispers reached his ears, his expression darkened.
The music stopped. Each guest individually began to notice a change in the personality of their king. Queen Rhea stood up from her chair, her hand automatically falling upon Nathan's shoulder.
"What's wrong, Nalon?" she asked softly but with an edge of fear in her voice.
The king's eyes swept the room, taking in the hopeful faces of his people, their celebration unsteady on the edge of something darker. He turned to the Herald. "Speak, so all may hear."
The man moved forward, his voice shaking but strong enough to carry across the room. "News from Aurelia, Your Majesty. Last night, their kingdom was invaded by Tenebrous, the shadow demon. Though they held off his forces, he has left a curse, one that threatens every child born under the light of Aurelia."
The gasps rolled through the hall, and the joyful atmosphere shattered like glass. A noblewoman clutched her young daughter protectively, while knights exchanged grave looks.
"A curse?" Queen Rhea whispered, her hand tightening on Nathan's shoulder.
The Herald continued, his words weighed with dread. "The curse is ancient and mysterious. Tenebrous has sworn that shadows will grow within the children of Aurelia, corrupting them from within."
Nathan looked up at his mother, confusion clouding his innocent face. "What's a curse, Mother? Is it bad?"
Rhea knelt before him, gently brushing his hair back. Her smile was forced, her voice trembling as she tried to reassure him. "It's nothing for you to worry about, my dear. Your father will make sure everything is all right."
King Nalon's voice cut through the growing murmurs. "Tenebrous has declared war, not just on Aurelia, but on the future of all kingdoms. This darkness will not stop at their borders. We cannot allow such evil to fester."
"But what will we do?" one of the nobles called out. "Can we even fight against such a curse?"
Nalon's jaw clenched, his eyes blazing with resolve. "Aurelia has called for our aid, and we will answer. Prepare the soldiers. I will lead the army myself to join King Icarus. Together, we will face this darkness."
The hall was silent for a moment before a knight stepped forward, his voice steady. "For Aurelia and Atlon, we will stand. Tenebrous will not claim our children."
The room erupted into a mixture of anxious whispers and determined voices. Mothers clutched their children, fathers spoke of courage, and knights began to discuss their plans.
Queen Rhea watched it all, her heart heavy. She turned to Nalon, her voice barely above a whisper. "Be careful, Nalon. This is no ordinary battle. This... this is war against something far greater than us."
Nalon laid a hand over hers, softening his features. "I know, Rhea. But we cannot just sit while our allies fall. Nathan's future, the future of our kingdom, stands on what we do now."
As the celebration faded, the guests left with heavy hearts, their minds consumed by the looming shadow of Tenebrous. Nathan, too young to fully grasp the weight of what had happened, hold on to his wooden sword, his small voice echoing in the quiet hall. "Don't worry, Father. I'll grow strong and fight the shadows with you one day."
Nalon knelt before his son, pulling him into a tight embrace. "And when that day comes, Nathan, you will be ready."
The storm of war was approaching, and the halls of Atlon were no longer filled with music but with the murmurs of preparation and prayers for the light to hold against the encroaching darkness.
As the celebration subsided, the weight of the herald's words hung in the air, replacing joy with an uneasy tension. Guests departed with hushed whispers, their minds racing with questions and fears.
In the quiet hall, King Nalon sat beside Queen Rhea near the hearth, the flickering flames casting long shadows on the walls. Nathan had fallen asleep in his mother's lap, clutching his wooden sword tightly, as though even in dreams he sought to protect those he loved.
Queen Rhea stroked Nathan's hair, her voice soft but laced with worry. "What kind of curse could leave such devastation behind? And why the children? Why spread it with its terror?
Nalon looked into the fire, his face grim. "Tenebrous does not try to conquer land or kingdom, as mortals have their enemies do. He lives on despair and breaking the people's will to resist. If he can take the children from them, that is a strike at the future."
Rhea shivered, huddling against Nathan. "But if Aurelia was against him, why would he retreat? A demon of his caliber would not leave easily unless..." She hesitated and didn't complete her sentence. Her unspoken fear hung there like a fog that refused to clear.
"Unless it's all part of the plan," Nalon filled in, his voice heavy with the weight of understanding. "He left behind something. A shadow meant to grow unnoticed until it's too late."
A soft knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Sir Galen entered, his armor faintly glinting in the firelight. He bowed low. "Your Majesties, the people are restless. They whisper of omens and dark portents. Some claim to have seen shadowy figures near the woods, while others speak of strange dreams. The mood is... unsettled."
Nalon nodded, his face unmoving. "We cannot let them fall prey to fright. We must spread the word that Atlon watches. Let them be told they are safe within our walls."
Galen paused a moment before he asked, "And the curse? Do we tell to the people of Atlon?"
Rhea looked up, the words sharp despite her fear. "Yes. Secrets make people panic. They have the right to know what they're facing, so they can ready themselves."
The knight bowed again and left the hall, his footsteps echoing softly.
As the door closed, Nalon turned to his wife. "Why now? Tenebrous has been a name in forgotten legends for centuries. Why would he return?"
Her eyes dart toward the shadows in the wall and she speaks quietly, barely heard. "Maybe we forget him, but he does not forget us. And maybe the dark has been with us all this time, and has grown by degrees while our faces are avoided."
Nalon rose, pacing slowly. "If that is true, then it may already be too late. But we cannot act blindly. We'll send envoys to Aurelia to learn the truth of what happened. Only then can we understand what we're truly up against."
Outside, the wind howled, carrying with it a distant echo and an unnatural sound that sent shivers down the spines of those who heard it. Within the castle, the royal family sat in uneasy silence, the flickering firelight doing little to chase away the encroaching shadows.
Far from the delight of the day's celebration, a new sense of foreboding settled over Atlon. The cloud stretched on heavy with the unknown as the kingdom held its breath against whatever might come with the dawn.
The castle of Atlon rested uncomfortably under the storm's fury. Lightning burst into the halls, curtains shadows dancing along the walls. Rain fall on the windows with a relentless drumbeat, while thunder rumbled in the distance, shaking the very stone castle.
Inside the royal chambers, King Nalon and his knights planned strategies in tense murmurs, their voices blending with the storm. Queen Rhea sat nearby, her fingers interlocked in silent prayer. Yet amidst the weight of their worries, they had no idea of the strange encounter awaiting their son during the storm.
In his small room, Nathan knew nothing of strategies or wars. To him, the storm was just another backdrop to his adventures. His wooden sword clashed valiantly against an imaginary foe, the stuff dummy in his corner serving as a stand-in for evil knights and wicked creatures.
"Take that, evil knight!" he cried, spinning in a clumsy circle. "You'll never defeat me, Nathan of Atlon!"
The dummy fell over as he swung with all his might. Nathan jumped up in triumph, his laughter echoing off the walls. "Ha! Another victory for the bravest knight in the land!"
Just as he threw his arms up in triumph, the storm strikes back. A deafening crack of thunder rattled the room, and the window burst open with a violent gust. Cold wind rushed in, sending the curtains into a frantic dance. Nathan froze a mid-step, his wooden sword slipping from his grip.
His chest rose and fell rapidly as he stared at the open window. The storm outside roared louder now, its voice like a beast growling in anger. "It's just the wind," he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible over the chaos. "Knights aren't scared of storms."
Summoning all the strength he had, Nathan went to the window. He fumbled with his small hands in an attempt to close it. The wind closed it back on him, but still he pushed hard and slammed the window shut. He pressed his chest against the frame, his whole body shaken, breathing in relief.
Next he felt it-a touch, cold and soft, leaning against his shoulder.
Nathan's breath caught in his throat. He turned slowly, his heart pounding like a war drum. There, standing in the corner where the shadows seemed unnaturally deep, was a figure. A woman.
Her beauty was haunting, her long black hair falling like a river of darkness. Light, if dim, poured faintly over her pale, expressionless face. Her eyes were two burning embers that seemed to pierce right through him, and she smiled; it was a gentle one, but it sent a chill all the way down Nathan's spine.
"Such a bravery child" she said, her voice smooth and melodic, like the first note of a haunting lullaby. "Such strength for one so young."
Nathan stumbled back, his back pressing against the wall. "Wh-who are you?" he stammered, his voice a fragile whisper.
"Oh, don't worry little guy, I am Lilith," she said, her steps fluid and silent as she moved closer. "I watch over children who dream of greatness. And you, Dear Nathan, dream with a heart so bright it shines even through this storm."
Nathan's fear wavered, replaced by a flicker of curiosity. "You... you know my name? How?"
Lilith sank down to his level, her cloak spreading around her like liquid night. "Of course I do. You are no ordinary child. Your destiny is written in the stars."
Nathan swallowed hard, his eyes wide. "What do you want?
"I want to give you something," Lilith said, her smile softening. She extended her hand, revealing a small object wrapped in black silk. "A gift for your courage and a token of the greatness that lies within you."
Nathan hesitated, his thin fingers trembling as he reached out to touch the silk. Unwrapping it with the utmost care, he revealed a medallion unlike anything he had ever seen in his life. It shimmered faintly in the dim light, its surface inscribed with fiery canescent, swirling patterns that seem to move and shift as he stared.
"Whoa..... It's warm," he whispered, holding it close. The medallion pulsed faintly, as if it had a heartbeat.
Lilith's smile grew wistful. "Keep it close, Nathan. One day, you will understand its purpose."
"Why are you giving it to me?" Nathan asked in a whisper barely audible.
Her gaze grew distant, her ember-like eyes dimming slightly. "Because even the bravest knights must sway burdens they cannot yet see. Remember, little one, that strength is not just in the sword but in the heart that wields it."
A lump formed in Nathan's throat. There was something sorrowful in her voice, something that made his chest ache in a way he didn't understand. "Will I... will I see you again?"
Lilith smiled, and a tear caught in her eye as lightning flashed. "Perhaps. But for now, rest, little knight. Your journey is only beginning."
Another clap of thunder lit up the room and, when its light faded away, Lilith vanished into thin air leaving Nathan alone. The shadows had returned to normal stillness again in the corner, and so had the stillness of the room.
He looked at the medallion with wide eyes and faint warmth comforted him within its confines. Cautiously, he sat onto the bed, and taking the little wooden box he used for treasure, opened it, gently put the medallion inside, then closed it up and tucked it under the bed.
He lay awake for a long time, grasping his wooden sword in his hands, staring up at the ceiling of his bedroom. The storm still raged on outside, but inside, in the castle, there was total silence.
He felt the weight of the medallion within himself, and also the weight of Lilith's words. Not understanding anything at all, but knowing for a fact that something had shifted, something that only the rain would have managed.
The storm outside was not easing off. Rain pummeled the castle walls harder and louder, while thunder rumbled in a way that seemed almost to have life of its own. In the royal chambers, Queen Rhea halted her silent prayer, her hands faltering as her heart suddenly clenched. She had thought she heard something amidst the storm-a sound, faint but distinct, from Nathan's room.
Her maternal instincts honed, she stood, leaving King Nalon and the knights mid-discussion. She moved swiftly through the halls, her soft slippers muffling her steps. When she reached Nathan's door, another loud clap of thunder echoed through the castle, and this time she was sure. It sounded like it had come from within his room.
"Nathan?" she whispered softly, opening the door. The vision that met her eyes pierced through her chest.
Nathan sat up in his bed, his legs drawn tight to his chest and his wooden sword clutched in his tiny hands. His wide, blank stare froze upon the ceiling, but though he never said a word, the shuddering of his body did not go unnoticed.
"Nathan, my sweet boy." Rhea's voice was soft as she closed the door behind her. She crossed the room and knelt by his bedside, pushing his damp hair away from his forehead. "Why didn't you call for me?"
Nathan looked at her, the lip quivering. "I... I wasn't scared," he whispered, his voice barely audible. But tear streaks on his cheeks betrayed his bravery.
Rhea's heart broke at the sight. She gently set his wooden sword aside and pulled him into her arms. "It's all right, darling. Even the bravest knights need someone to hold them sometimes."
Nathan buried his face in her shoulder. For a moment, he allowed himself to feel the fear that he'd been so working at preventing. The warmth of his mother's embrace melted the tension in his small body. "The thunder was so loud," he admitted, his voice muffled. "And..... and the wind made the window fly open."
She pulled him tight and gently rocked him. He felt he was again the young boy and in her bosom. "The storm could be scaring you, but here nothing is going to do that. Your castle is great, and your mother is. And you're much more braver than you ever imagined as a little knight," she would kiss on the forehead.
As he clung to her, the warmth of her words chased away the cold left by the storm-and by the strange encounter that he did not know how to mention. He wanted to tell her about Lilith, about the medallion hidden now in his chest; but something held him back. Maybe it was the weight of Lilith's words, or the strange feeling in his heart that told him this was his secret.
She stroked his hair, humming softly a lullaby she used to sing to him when he was a baby. "When the storm seems too loud, remember that it always passes. And I will always be here for you, Nathan. Always."
Her words wrapped around him like a shield, and for the first time that night, Nathan allowed himself to relax. He leaned into her warmth, his eyes growing heavy as the storm's rage softened to a distant roar.
As he drifted off to sleep, Queen Rhea stayed by his side, her hand resting on his back. She watched over him, her heart aching with a mixture of love and worry. She couldn't shake the feeling that the storm had unsettled more than just the weather.
But for now, her son was safe in her arms, and that was all that mattered.
Nathan lay in his small bed, the warmth of the blankets cocooning him as the storm outside raged on. The rhythmic patter of rain against the window created a soothing melody, but his mind filled with thoughts of the strange woman and the medallion now hidden beneath his bed. He clutched his wooden sword tightly to his chest, as if it were a talisman of protection.
Queen Rhea sat by his side, her soft, soothing touch upon his hair with slow, gentle motion. "The storm will be over soon, my love," she whispered gently, her voice soft and assuring. "You are safe here."
Nathan looked over at her, wide eyes showing not only the strange fear but the comfort that the presence of the queen brought to him. "Do storms frighten knights as well, Mother?" he whispered softly.
Rhea smiled, pushing a loose strand of hair back from his forehead. "Even the bravest knights can be frightened, Nathan. But do you know what makes them strong? When the storm seems too loud, remember that it always passes. And I will always be here for you, Nathan. Always."
He shook his head, his curiosity momentarily overshadowing his fear.
Rhea continued, her tone warm and soothing. "Even when their hearts race and their hands tremble, but they stand tall. And you, my little knight, are braver than you think."
Nathan's hand on the wooden sword relaxed by a little bit. "But..... What if the storm's not just the storm?" he ventured, casting a sideway glance to the window.
Rhea followed his gaze, her smile faltering for a moment before she composed herself. "Then you remember this," she said, placing a hand over his heart. "You carry a light within you, stronger than any darkness. No storm, no shadow, can ever take that away."
Her words settled over him like a warm blanket. He nodded, the corners of his lips curving into a small, hesitant smile. "I'll remember it, Mother."
Rhea leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to his forehead. "Good. Now close your eyes and rest. Tomorrow will bring a new day, and you'll need your strength for all the adventures waiting for you."
Nathan burrowed deeper into the blankets, his small frame finally relaxing. "Goodnight, Mother," he mumbled, his voice slurring drowsily.
"Goodnight, my little knight," Rhea whispered softly, her hand lingering on his as his breathing slowed, showing that he was falling asleep.
She stayed there another moment, watching her son as he lay fast asleep, and her heart clutched tightly at the strange unease gripping it. Something was amiss outside, because the storm thundered and cracked with an unearthly intensity-the roar almost loud enough to have carried inaudible whispers it could not.
She shook off the thought and quietly rose from her bed, adjusting the blankets around Nathan one last time before slipping out of the room. But as she closed the door behind her, her gaze lingered for a moment, her heart silently praying for his safety against whatever unknown problems the future might hold.
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In the Morning
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The morning in the castle of Atlon began under clear skies, the storm from the previous day now a distant memory. The scent of freshly baked bread, cakes, and brewed tea filled the air in the royal dining hall as King Nalon and Queen Rhea sat together, discussing the day's plans over breakfast.
Nathan, however, sat quietly at the table, his plate barely touched. His parents exchanged glances, concerned by their son's unusual silence.
"Nathan," Rhea said gently, "aren't you hungry, my dear? You've hardly eaten."
"I'm not that hungry," he said, taking one piece of bread and munching on it dully. His mind wasn't on food-it was on the medallion. The visit of the strange woman and the mysterious gift kept pulling at his thoughts.
"Well, if you feel hungry later, don't hesitate to call for the kitchen," King Nalon said, furrowing his brow slightly. "A knight needs strength to face the day."
Nathan nodded silently, stepping away from the dinner table after eating his bread.
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Private Playing Room
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Hidden away in a secured corner of the grounds, the private playing room was Nathan's sanctuary. Wooden swords lined the room and wooden shields stood in rows all prepared for dummies of battle. Here is where Nathan of Atlon can freely fight imaginary wars and emerge victorious every time.
Today, though, something was off. Nathan pushed the door shut behind him and reached beneath his bed, where he'd hidden the small chest the night before. As he opened it, his heart skipped a beat to see the sapphire medallion inside. It shone softly in the sunlight streaming through the window, its patterns swirling faintly, as if they were alive.
Curiosity was stronger than serenity. He grasped the medallion with his hand and felt its heat throb softly. "What are you?" he whispered, holding it up.
As if responding to him, a weak aura began to surround the medallion, spreading a bright shine that caught Nathan off guard. His eyes went wide. "Whoa...What is this?"
He turned toward one of the wooden swords lying nearby and an idea formed in his mind. Cautiously, he leaned forward and pressed the medallion to the hilt of the sword. In the very moment when two touched each other, the medallion's aura transferred to the blade, filled it in a faint and glowing light.
Nathan was beginning to get excited. "This.....this is amazing!" he exclaimed, gripping the sword tightly. His small hands trembled under the weight of this newfound power.
He stepped toward the nearest dummy, raising the sword high above his head. "Take that, dark knight!" he yelled as he slashed down with all his might.
The blade cut cleanly through the dummy, the vibrant aura slicing not just the first but the dummy behind it as well. Both figures collapsed to the ground with a loud crash, the sound echoing through the room.
Nathan's mouth dropped open in shock, his chest heaving. "I... I did that?" he mumbled, staring at the dummies on the floor. He looked down at the sword, the glow already fading as if the energy had drained.
The door to the playing room burst open suddenly, and two knights rushed in, their swords drawn. "Prince Nathan!" one of them called. "We heard a loud noise, what's going on?"
Behind his back, Nathan rapidly hid the medallion while his mind rushed. "Uh... I uh nothing, i just" He looked at the fallen dummies before pausing. "I just... hit them really hard this time. I guess I'm getting stronger!"
The knights exchanged skeptical glances but couldn't help laughing. "The young prince is already practicing like a true warrior," one of them said, sheathing his sword."
"Be careful, my prince," the other knight added. "Even wooden swords can cause a mess if you swing too hard!"
Nathan nodded quickly, forcing a grin. "I will! Promise!"
As the knights left, shaking their heads in amusement, Nathan let out a sigh of relief. His gaze returned to the medallion, now hidden once again in his small chest. He knew he couldn't tell anyone-not yet. This was his secret, his mystery to uncover.
But as he looked at the broken dummies, and felt a long warmth from the medallion in his hand, he knew he could feel the weight of its power. "What's really on you?" he whispered, his voice wondered and laced with a touch of fear.
Outside, the world went on with its routine and inside the chest of a young boy, however, something strange had started. Something that would change not only his destiny but for the kingdom.
Nathan stood in the silent playing room, the broken dummies scattered around him like fallen soldiers on a battlefield. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the small chest where he had placed the medallion. His fingers still felt the warmth of holding it, as if it had left an imprint not just on his skin but on something deeper-his very soul.
He walked over to the dummies' remains, crouching to inspect the clean cuts. The wood was split with unnatural precision, as if a blade is far sharper than his simple wooden sword had done the damage. His heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of fear and excitement coursing through him.
"I don't understand..." he murmured. "How can something so small have so much power? Even though I'm weaker"
He looked out the window, where the morning sunlight covered the castle grounds in a golden glow. The world outside seemed so normal, so untouched by the strange and mysterious gift he had received. Yet within him, a storm of questions shifted in.
Nathan picked up his sword again, feeling its familiar weight in his hand. It felt ordinary now, without the glow, without the aura. He swung it halfheartedly at a remaining dummy, the wood bouncing harmlessly off. A sigh escaped him. Whatever the medallion had done, it was something far beyond his understanding.
"Am I supposed to do something with this?" he asked aloud, his voice echoing faintly in the empty room. "Or... is it just a trick? Or a dream?"
The medallion's faint pulse in his chest whispered otherwise. It wasn't a trick. It wasn't a dream. It was real and it was waiting for him to figure it out.
Nathan straightened, sweeping dust off his tunic. "Okay," he said, his voice all young determination but somehow much more ancient than the years. "I don't know what you are, but I will learn no matter what. I will."
He placed his sword back in its rack and took one last look at the fallen dummies before heading toward the door. His hand paused on the doorknob, a thought nagging at the back of his mind.
"Maybe... maybe this is why she gave it to me," he whispered. "Because I'm supposed to find the answer on my own."
With that, he stepped out into the castle courtyard, where the sun was warm on his face. The weight of the medallion was still there, hidden away but ever-present. And though he was just a boy, playing in the shadow of a great castle, Nathan couldn't shake the feeling that his journey and the one that would one day will shape his destiny, but it had already begun.
"If i grow up...I will find a way to realize my mortality."
"But for now, many questions that are unsolved." - Nathan
Now, the blue light from his strange medallion has vanished from his soul. Perhaps his soul was being controlled by it, which would explain why he's become so mature despite being only 9 years old.