It has been years since my family was slaughtered by those monsters. The agony of losing my wife, my children, my parents… still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.
He gazed out the tall window of the castle, over the lands of Eldrane bathed in golden morning light. The valley stretched below like a dream — cruelly peaceful compared to the nightmare that had become his life.
Perhaps I should have died with them, he thought bitterly.
A knock came at the door.
"Enter," his voice commanded, calm yet edged with weariness.
A man in royal attire stepped in, bowing low.
"Forgive the intrusion, Your Highness. The council awaits you in the Grand Hall."
The King — tall, stern, and heavy with sorrow — nodded. Without a word, he left the room, his footsteps echoing down the empty corridor.
Eldrane Castle gleamed with old wealth: marble floors polished like mirrors, gold vases glinting in the corners, and portraits of long-dead kings watching from the walls. Yet behind the beauty lay silence — and a ruler's grief.
When the massive oak doors of the Great Hall opened by two hefty guard that stood at the corners of the hall, all conversation died. The councilmen rose as the King entered, their faces pale.
"Let's make this quick," he said, taking his seat at the head of the long table. "If I must listen to your ramblings, let it at least be for something worth my time."
A nervous shuffle followed. No one spoke.
"Do I speak to ghosts?" the King asked sharply. "Or have you all gone mute?"
The silence thickened until he finally said, "Lincoln."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the man beside him replied, fumbling with papers.
"Report."
Lincoln cleared his throat. "Trade withThe Empire Is Veloria has gone well, sire. We exchanged weapons for crops and minerals. King Seth seems… cooperative."
"Cooperative?" The King's lips curled. "More like careful. Emperor Halric most be getting wise. Continue."
After a few minutes, another man dared to speak.
"Your Majesty," said Sir Clifford, his voice trembling. "We… we have long discussed something of importance. We thought perhaps—" He swallowed. "Perhaps it's time you considered remarrying. For the sake of the kingdom."
The King rose to his feet, and the air itself seemed to freeze.
"The next fool who speaks of my marriage," he said quietly, "should write his will—or prepare to dine with the pigs of Eldrane."
He turned and strode out, leaving the hall in a heavy silence.
Elsewhere in Eldrane…
The Starspire Tower, home to the Grand Magister Eldric Vale, stood tall upon the cliffs—a monument of wisdom and mystery.
Inside, the young apprentice Jinx worked tirelessly, gathering scrolls into neat stacks. When the door opened, he turned and bowed deeply.
"Master."
Eldric Vale, robed in deep blue, lowered his hood. His silver hair glinted in the candlelight, and his storm-colored eyes studied the boy.
"If you keep working yourself this hard," he said with a faint smile, "even the donkeys of Eldrane will envy your determination."
"I'm fine, Master," Jinx replied softly, though the weariness on his face said otherwise.
Then Eldric's tone changed. "Jinx… go to the Cave of Valentine. I've seen a vision. Something calls for you there."
The young wizard froze but did not question him. Visions from the Grand Magister were never taken lightly.
As soon as Jinx left, Eldric turned toward the window, his gaze far and heavy.
"They have returned," he whispered. "The Rings wait for you, dear Jinx. The next holder."
The markets of Eldrane were bustling as Jinx passed through—carriages rattling, merchants shouting, the air thick with spice and smoke.
He was almost at the outskirts when a familiar voice rang out.
"JINX!"
He turned. A girl with black hair and eyes pale as frost pushed through the crowd.
"Amilys," he said softly. "What are you doing here?"
She smiled breathlessly. "You said you wouldn't come to town this week!"
"It's urgent. Master had a vision. I'm heading to the Cave of Valentine."
"Then I'm coming too."
He sighed, shaking his head. "If I say no, you'll still follow."
She grinned. "You know me well."
The cave was cold and silent. Jinx raised a glowing hand, the light dancing along damp stone walls.
"Feels… strange here," Amilys whispered.
"Stay close," he warned. After the searched through the cave, the finally came to a very cornered place.
A crack echoed through the darkness. The wall before them split open, revealing runes glowing like liquid fire. Two rings rested at the heart of the stone — carved with strange symbols that pulsed faintly, alive.
Jinx stepped closer, entranced.
"Jinx, don't—"
The moment his hand brushed the rings, blinding light filled the cave. The runes flared, and the air trembled with ancient power.
The Cave of Valentine had awakened.
Far away, high in the Starspire Tower, Eldric Vale lifted his gaze to the storm-lit horizon.
"The Rings have chosen," he murmured. "The world begins anew."