EPISODE 88: QUEEN

— Edryan Queendom, Year: 7291. Season: Color Fading.

The day of Lawruthian’s disappearance.

The sound of teeth grinding against one another was persistent in the large chamber the six [Heroes] of Edryan found themselves in. Sweat dripped from Marna Gamal’s forehead as she prepared the bare arm of the Crown Prince. Her mind whirled as the images of Lawruthian saving her daughter flashed through her thoughts. A part of her felt excitement at the implications of Lawruthian’s actions. Another part of her felt worried about her youngest and final child. Of course, that didn’t top the worry she felt for the [Chosen of Madris]. The physical representation of their Goddess in the Mortal Realm. If he was dead, regardless of what , she would bring him back to life… even at the cost of her own. No matter, they would have their answers in just a moment.

The [Iron-Blooded Queen] teeth gnashed back and forth, her finger tapping against her seat as (The Queen’s Indifference) struggled to keep her mind calm.

Tap.

…

Tap.

…

Tap.

…

Tap.

…

It’d been two hours since the events of Starglow Valley occurred and its inhabitants surrendered to the Imperius Army. In that time, the [Iron-Blooded Queen] summoned her [Heroes]. The members paced around, agitated, as their Queen’s emotional outburst from earlier worried them. Each was still within the bounds of the capital when it occurred, and this was something they’d never seen their Queen do before. After all… she was Iron-Blooded. That myth… that legendbecame the truth for them, even throughout all they had been through together.

Tap.

…

Tap.

…

Tap.

…

Tap.

…

Marna prepared herself. The most direct way was to cast (Madris’s Touch). The power of their Goddess would be more than enough to restore a soul and rebuild a body as long as their soul still remained within the Mortal Realm.

Marna looked left, then right, and confirmed her [High Priests], members of the Gamal family, were ready.

They nodded and in synchronization, they began to cast the full version of the divine spell. Their voices sang like a child’s lullaby.

“ Oh, the grace of Her is the…, ” the group began.

Around them, the six heroes watched. Camilla Romus bit the tip of her sharp rainbow-colored nail, she held her staff in her right hand, the crystal-clear, beating heart of a magi at its height. The woman was more than prepared to help, and her thoughts wondered how long Starglow Valley would still be part of the queendom. Her staff… itched for action, and glassing a valley would do just the trick. She’d developed several destructive spell applications that never received the opportunity to see the light of day. Whereas Margret was an expert when it came to esoteric magic… Camilla was raised as a pure [ War Mage ].

“ We call for you, for guidance and deliverance… for Power and… ”

Just like Camilla, Margret Musa held a black and white wand in her hand. The wand thrummed with power, carved from the femur of a slain God. She stood next to Mariam as they waited for the completion of the spell. The only people who knew the status of Lawruthian within the capital were the people in this room and the Lash agent who retrieved Lawruthian’s arm. Right now, there was nothing Margret could do to help. All the high-tier spells she knew of required a living, present target to enact its magic on. So she did the only thing she could do… wait patiently and prepare herself to kill .

“ For your Touch is what strengthens the Vitality and restores the health… ”

Akeem Oni was quiet, his thoughts pondering not on the present but on the future. The large man silently pulled on one of his long red locs. It was what he did when in deep contemplation. It’d been decades since an area in Edryan was glassed and for the first time, he truly began to feel the weight of the Crown Prince and the implications of the [Chosen of Madris]. The country could very well begin the biggest state of unrest since the fall of much of the Royal Family and the three great houses. It was his job to ensure the border between Edryan and those on the other side of the Luffer Mountain Range stayed secure. It was time for his son to begin picking up the responsibilities .

“ For you, gaze provides longevity to Endurance and enhances the body… ”

Vivian Consus rubbed his face, his circular glasses held an unknown gleam to them. A green-black grimoire floated around his ample belly as the fat man stood there pondering. Regardless of what happened to the Holy Prince, Edryan would change once again. It was already changed, as Vivian thought of the underground RAIL systems that ran between the great families’ households and the capital. It was only years later that the Crown Prince brought the technology to the limelight .

“Hopefully, Viviana stays out of trouble with all this going on.”

“ In you our Mind is secure, oh Mother of Magi, our light… our hope… ”

Liana Drumian was equipped and ready for war. Her spiky, metallic black armor allowed her stature to reach two hundred twenty centimeters. It gave the large and muscular woman a rather imposing appearance. A greatsword, [Wyvern Slayer], lay strapped to her back. The weapon earned its name after accomplishing the task it was now named after. The only thing that remained uncovered was Liana’s face. A stoic, calm expression was on her face, but deep within her eyes was a flame of emotional turmoil. She was ready and raring to fight. To break through space and arrive at the Convocation within the hour. The only reason she hadn't been was because her leash was tightly kept in the hands of the Queen .

“ We call for you, oh Mother of Magi, bestow us with … (Madris’s Touch)!”

The room grew silent, and the world seemed to pause. Outside in the capital city, Edrya, its people hurried inside as the dark stormy clouds of Color Fading showed themselves. It was only a day into the season, yet the weather changed from the heat of Central so quickly. The season of Final End was fast approaching, and it was going to be cold .

An enormous amount of mana was expelled into the air, its properties divine in nature. Those who could observe the magic would see how divine mana did not mingle and mix with the rest of the mana types. It reigned above, showing its supremacy to its peers by bashing them away from its area until none but divine mana remained within its position. Then, from its central position, it seemed to command all other mana. Ten spell constructs appeared within the air, superimposed upon one another as they combined into something more. A gate, a portal to the Astral opened as the two [High Priest] dropped to the ground exhausted. Marna remained on her feet, but anyone could tell the [Mother of Magi 1st Daughter] was tired.

“ Oh not again, another gole-…

…

Oh?! This time it’s different. ”

The moment the voice spoke, every person except one kneeled in subservience and reverence. The connection they felt to their Goddess, a bond of faith and protection, never felt stronger. The doubts, worries, plagues, and more of the Mortal Realm seemed to fade and become insignificant for She… was present. No matter what it was, regardless of who acted against them… all would be alright because She… was present.

It wasn’t just deep in the chamber that Her presence was felt, the inhabitants of Edrya who worshiped the Goddess turned towards War Throne Palace and kneeled, for She… was present. They could feel it in their bones, their skin, their very souls . Those who didn’t worship her, denizens of other faiths, still bowed their heads. Not in worship but respect, as to not do so in her territory was disrespect of the highest order. The magi-humans around them would not allow it.

“Ma-Mother Madris,” a single sorrowful voice said. The voice was shaky and the figure it belonged to held a wronged expression as tears once again began to drop from their eyes.

The inhabitants of the chamber where the spell was cast, may have once found such a voice weird, but such close presence to the Goddess they worshiped dissuaded any other notions from their mind. The only thing they remained concerned with was praying for the Goddess’s protection and blessings.

“ My darling, don’t cry, ” Goddess Madris exclaimed. A hand reached through the portal, gently wiping the tears from Queen Titiana’s face.

“ My child, my son, ” the Queen’s voice croaked as she pointedly avoided staring at the severed limb.

“ One moment, my child, let me see if I can make this right… Sage is responsible for Lawruthian. ”

The Lavish was dressed in a rich ruby-red V-cut dress that revealed ample cleavage. The dress was cut until her midsection and if one looked closely into the background, a party, or event of some sort seemed to be underway. Her dress glittered from the surrounding light, like stars twinkling in the night sky. Gems and jewels litter their way throughout her body, but the V-cut area of her dress is completely covered in a gold plate with diamonds inlaid throughout. She wore a crown in which every surface was covered in jewels. Yet. even with the state of events going on behind her… the Lavish held a very intense look on her face. She took this situation very seriously, especially after she saw the emotional state of Edryan’s sole leader.

The Goddess waved her hand and a second portal appeared, this time it opened up into what appeared to be a library or research area of sorts. Shelves of books extended as far as the eye could see, yet alongside these shelves were workstations where Messengers , angelic-like beings, worked. It wasn’t just these Messengers present, but numerous magi-humans and more. Each of these figures was large, nearly twice to thrice the height of the average magi-human. The room held a blue-golden glow to it as the light fell from a mosaic-covered ceiling. A strange, orderly chaos seemed to be taking place as the inhabitants worked. That died down somewhat as Lavish stepped through. In the center was a pile of books and papers that were stacked nearly as high as the ceiling.

Queen Titiana, teary-eyed but face clean, watched this process while those around her prayed. The only one who held the ability to stand was Marna, but the woman held no intentions of interrupting besides the occasional peaks and glances.

“ SAGE!

SAGE COME OUT ,” the voice of Lavish called, irritation present within it.

“ I’M BUSY LAVISH, I DON’T WANT TO GO TO ANOTHER ONE OF YOUR PARTIES ,” a voice with only a slight variation to Lavish’s responded. Whereas Lavish’s voice and presence held that of poise and wealth, the Sage was more youthful and reserved.

“ Look ,” was the only response that came as the large finger of Lavish pointed at Queen Titiana. She’d managed to compose herself somewhat, but the traces of what occurred were still very much present.

The pile of paper and books shifted until a woman — a Goddess that shared the same face with Lavish, appeared. She looked at the face that shared so much in common with hers but still held their differences before her gaze settled on where Lavish was pointing. A frown appeared on her face as she instantly came to understand the situation.

“ Ohhhh, he’s alright ,” the Sage said dismissively, waving her hand away.

Around them, the Messengers and other personnel continued to work, seemingly ignoring the two.

“ Is this alright ,” Lavish questioned as Lawruthian’s severed arm appeared in her palm. “ It is your responsibility to guide and ensure Lawruthian follows the Path. If he dies, then we have to do that . Regardless, look at the state of our poor child ,” Lavish once again pointed at the Queen.

A gentle expression appeared on the Sage’s face as she gazed at the Queen. The Sage snapped and the ruffled, distressed appearance of the Queen was fixed, but the redness of her eyes did not disappear.

“ Do not worry, Titiana, your son will return to you soon. You wished for a child like no other, and We shall deliver,” she said gently as she addressed the Queen.

The Queen’s emotional state seemed to greatly calm at the words of her Goddess and her face began to take on a cold…, no, indifferent , look once again.

“Is there anything I can do for my son? Where is he?”

The Sage frowned, for several moments she said nothing, her lips pursed. “ He will return to you on his own. It is best not to worry yourself or the populace .”

‘ Your child is safe, dear ,’ a voice spoke to Marna, causing the woman to immediately perk up.

The Queen sighed and Lavish appeared much calmer as the state of Queen Titiana returned to what she usually showed.

“Thank you, my Goddess,” the Queen said as she bowed deeply.

The two gently smiled at her and winked at the peaking Marna before the portal faded away. Those who were kneeling, regardless of whether they were in the room with the Queen, or elsewhere in the capital… continued to do so for another several minutes.

It was only after Marna stood that a chain reaction seemed to take place within Edrya. The Queen returned to her seat, the presence she normally kept somewhat returned, but the air remained cold with the presence of iron blood.

“Call for Magi Caimen. From this day forth… there shall no longer be a Starglow Valley,” Queen Titiana stated.

“My Queen allow me,” Camilla exclaimed as she stood. Her rainbow-like eyes were bright with excitement and passion.

Queen Titiana glanced at her and nodded. Her eyes gazed elsewhere as the devilish smile of Camilla emerged.

“Seize and secure all assets of the Valley. As for its people…,” the Queen paused.

“What do you think,” she asked her council.

“Hmmm, it would be a shame to lose the valuable knowledge the members of the Convocation hold,” Vivian stated as he adjusted his glasses and grabbed his grimoire. “Perhaps we should wait until the return of His Highness now that we know of his safety.”

“We know he is alive, not whether he is safe,” Akeem responded. “Seize their assets and let Camilla get rid of the problem from its roots. We should ensure there are no remaining problems… remnants our children will have to take care of once we leave.”

Queen Titiana nodded, liking this idea, but other members of her council spoke. “We cannot destroy the Convocation. Did you forget the words of our Goddess? We must ensure the populace remains at ease and know our [Chosen] is safe and victorious. There shall be no action until then,” Marna spoke up. Her presence was strong and uncompromising.

Before anyone could form a rebuttal, she continued. “I understand your heart is hurting, my Queen, but the words of the Goddess cannot be dismissed so easily. Right now, it’s best we send a simple message, as Edrya still is unsure of what occurred several hours ago.”

“Well said,” Mariam began. “We must control the narrative, already, my agents are moving in to ensure not a word of the events slips out of the valley. What we need is a silent movement of troops to secure the inhabitants and city. We can disguise a reinforcement of strong troops as a general help to secure the valley. It is well known that Lawruthian has a small force of troops, and we must have someone there to process the [West Gate Army]. They have completely surrendered to the Imperius Army, with Thraag and a few members of the Council of Elders.”

Camilla tsked, a sigh escaping her lips, it was clear the Magi was disappointed as more and more valid points came up. There wasn’t much she could say in rebuttal after the points both Marna and Mariam made.

Queen Titiana sighed, “…you will get your chance when we set off for Mt. Redcoomshi, Camilla. Liana,” the Queen said. There was no emotion in her voice as she called the woman.

“MY QUEEN,” Liana responded, voice-driven with passion and a will to complete any order.

“Lead my army to reinforce the Imperius Army. Ensure General Laura Lance is relieved of her position and arrested, as well as her lieutenants. Take control of the [West Gate Army]. Relieve them of their armor but ensure they keep their weapons. For now, both reside in Starglow Valley until the return of my son.”

“Your Intent is mine to distribute!”

“Good, Go! Vice Captain Ariya Drumian will fulfill your position in your absence. Ensure that any who resist are put down like the dogs they are ,” she harrumphed at the end.

Liana saluted, a fist over her heart, as her heels clicked and she about-faced. The only sound that was heard for several moments was the click of her heeled boots on the ground. Once she was gone, Queen Titiana returned her attention to the rest of her council.

“A… Statement… Must. Be. Made, High Priestess Marna,” the Queen said. Her voice possessed the chill of a dry—frigid winter, biting , as you first step into it.

“My Shadow… head to the valley. Look for clues and kill any in your way no matter who… your only task is to… FIND.MY. SON, ” the Queen ordered before her attention returned to her close council. The Queen’s shadow seemed to flicker but for a moment. It was so fast, the [Heroes] were barely able to catch it.

“A summit MUST be held. It seems the powers of Edryan must be reminded of who I am. Summon the Thirty-Three Great Houses and those of adequate strength.”

Marna’s lips pursed but she didn’t respond. She knew the Queen was too easily placated earlier. It was not in her nature to show the softness that she did. The few times Marna did see such… soft… sides of Queen Titiana… rivers of blood followed.

The inhabitants of the room shifted. It was seldom times all the great families of Edryan were summoned to one place. In fact, there were usually only three instances. The first was the crowning or passing of a ruler. The second was waging large-scale conflicts, the last of which occurred over three hundred years ago during the death of Princess Carina. The third naturally, was summons because of their Goddess. This time…

“…and what shall be the name of this summit,” Mariam asked, curious. As she did so, Queen Titiana summoned a red-gold medallion into her hand. Immediately all present kneel as the symbol of her divine authority to rule over Edryan was shone. This medallion represented the highest authority in Edryan and was only conferred to the King or Queen of that generation. Its functions were vast, and what it allowed the ruler of Edryan to do was said to be boundless within the country. Confer titles, granting lands, reducing the abilities of any rebellious group… and more were all just secondary functions of the medallion. Its primary focus was…

When Queen Titiana next spoke, her voice was not just heard by those in front of her. No, when she next spoke her voice connected to every single worshiper of the Goddess in the Edryan Queendom. For a single moment, Edryan paused and listened.

“ My Edryan!

My People!

A celebration must be held. A grand feast and sacrifice of blood—of war, must be given to our Goddess. A summit , the Imperius Grand Summit shall occur in one month’s time where our [Chosen of Madris], my victorious son shall offer a sacrifice to She of Three Faces and lead us in worship… for his endless Victories! For his endless Rising! For he shall guide us to the glory of the Promised Land.

…

My Great Houses, Families, Clans, Schools, and more… we await your arrival in Edrya! ”

Queen Titiana lowered the medallion. Exhaustion covered her features and she was quickly presented with potions to restore the consumed Life Points it took to command and activate the medallion. Once she recovered, she returned her attention to the kneeling council members.

“The rest of you are dismissed… return to your positions,” she said indifferently.

A chorus of answers came from the members of the council and shortly after, Queen Titiana found herself nearly alone. Margret stood to the side, a small, comforting smile on her face.

The Queen sighed, and her partner began to speak. “You were harsh on Liana, but I cannot say you were in the wrong.”

“He is my only son,” was the only response that came.

“Lawruthian is just as much my family as he is yours, I’ve spent nearly more time with him than my siblings. He will be alright, Titiana, allow Liana to prove herself to you once again.”

…

“ He is my only son .”