UNITED

Etrigon

The cloud stood gloomy and thick, the wind blew harshly in the willow forest at the top of a hill - coercing the catkin of the willow trees to flutter about. Adding to the bustle of the atmosphere was the uninterrupted resounding of clashing blades between Luna and Elroy, bringing out a thunderous effect.

Luna, attractive and beautiful as ever was now in her fourteenth year, possessing the blissful features of a growing lady; on the other hand, good-looking Elroy was now in his sixteenth year, thriving in a noble physique.

Both struck at each other from several positions, none willing to back down at any moment. In an instance, an unpleasant clash sent them retreating backwards with a jump; breathing heavily both stared boldly into each other’s eyes for a while then advanced towards each other.

First strike from Elroy came as a mistake; discerning the fault, Luna swiftly counters Elroy’s attack, disarms him then points her blade to his neck.

A fair mature man suddenly stepped out from beside a tree clapping, he was gorgeous in a diabolic way, his smile vague and his steps were firm and precise. He combed his dark short hair backwards with his hand then applauded Luna once more.

“Nicely done dear,” he spoke with a valiant tone.

“As always father,” Luna gloried in the praise, laying down her sword.

“Show off.” Elroy mocked with a smirk

“No need to make a fuss about it Elroy,” the man advised.

“Cheer up El, your time shall come.” Luna encouraged with a wink

“Don’t trust too much in your growing skills Luna, I’m right behind you.” Elroy warned jokingly, but deep down - he knew her winning was his doing.

Elroy had felt a sudden rush of strength the moment he picked a sword at age fourteen, it frightened him so much he would always hold back during his training sections with Luna or her father.

In the bliss of the excitement a slim-figure clothed in black veil rides into the scene then halts its horse.

“A message for Orlanda Ramsey,” the figure spoke with a creaking blunt tone.

“To whom do I owe,” Orlanda, Luna’s father asked in response to the figures question.

“The greater good that awaits us,” the figure replied.

“What’s a black rider doing here?” Luna whispered to Elroy.

“Maybe an assignment for father.”

“I doubt that El, it’s too soon, this has to do with something else.”

From a medium size pouch by the side of the horse the figure brought out a scroll then hands it over to Orlanda, who received the scroll with a bow before the figure kicked at his horse, obliging it to move.

Orlanda immediately broke open the seal on the scroll then opens the scroll. Luna and Elroy stared at him as he read through the scroll, from looks of his expression his mood wasn’t certain - he looked happy but at same time gloomy.

“What’s wrong father?” Luna asked worriedly.

“Lord…” he sighs, “Lord Aaron is dead, I have been chosen to lead the Purifiers creed in its legacy.”

“No, absolutely not.” Luna disagreed instantly.

“Luna,” Elroy called lightly while trying to hold her hand.

“Shut it,” Luna lashed at Elroy “you can’t, think this through father.”

“I have Luna, right from the time Lord Aaron fell ill.”

“Decline the offer, we need you here.”

“There’s a lot of things at stake if I do that,” walking up to Luna, “try and understand.”

“I refuse to accept that.” Luna screamed out before running away.

“Luna!” Orlanda calls out.

“Don’t worry Sir Orlanda, I’ll talk to her,” Elroy assured then chased after Luna.

Somewhere in the willow forest, Luna sits on a fallen tree trunk gazing up at the rumbling cloud, trying to pull herself together when Elroy joined her.

“You should know by now your father won’t do anything to hurt you or mother.”

“Then he should reconsider his decision,” she turns to Elroy, “why won’t he reconsider it.”

“For the greater good.” Elroy said mimicking Orlanda’s voice.

Luna chuckled, “You sound just like him.”

“I may not have been born here Luna, but I’ve stayed long enough to know that your father does nothing unless it’s for the good of his family and this town.”

"It’s amazing how you know more about my father than me El.”

“What else can I say, he’s a great teacher.”

“Tell that to me beating you up-down in a sword fight.”

Both giggles then stares intently at each other.

“Just have faith in him.”

“What will I ever do without you El.” Luna embraces Elroy, “thank you for coming after me.”

"Sure, you owe me pie for letting you win again."

"Oh shut it."

BEGINNING OF THE END

Deep in the South-west Lands flashes of lightning brightens up the dense cloud causing it to seem transparent. Out of the thick forest, Elroy and Mira strolled out, they continued on their walk through a marsh land, heading towards a town not too far from them.

“Finally, people.” Elroy thanked, after days in the forest.

“Welcome to Rune Clan.”

“Huh!”

“That’s what the town up ahead is called, it’s the harbour point for the North gates of Ramenia; also our main trade post for supply.”

“Wait, what? We are still far from Ramenia?”

“No, you can literally see the Island of Ramenia just standing by the docks.”

“Great, another journey by sea.”

In the mist of their discussion three figures, vested in leaf-green salamander wool cloak approaches on horses, one of which reigned a spare horse.

“Please tell me those are friendlies and not bandits.”

With a chuckle Mira points at the riders, “Those are my team-mates El”

“Team-mates? What am I missing here?”

“You’ll know soon enough. The black rider is Lukas." Mira began with the rider by the left, he was brute, having black curly hair and an innocent look.

"The next is Jake." A slim fair lad, the youngest of the riders, he was the one holding the spare horse. "The fair beauty is Karin." Mira smiled at the dazzling blonde that kept Elroy staring.

Why not, Karin was naturally endowed in all aspect, not even the salamander cloak could conceal them.

Karin jumped off her horse as she halted, meeting Mira in a warm embrace. “It’s good to see you again Mira,” her voice was sharp and smooth.

“Always a pleasure Karin.” Mira held her tightly.

“Come on Mira,” Lukas approached her with wide arms. "Don’t be a stranger,” he embraces her with all his might, “I’ve missed you so much.”

“Never forgot you Lukas.” She slightly pats his back, gesturing him to let go. “What’s up Jake?” opens her arms wide, “no welcome hugs.”

“I think I’ll pass on this one.” Jake sat firm on his stallion.

“No you didn’t,” Mira drops her hands in shock “Jake, refusing a hug from a lady, what did I miss?”

“Karin,” Lukas called out then turns to Karin, “do the honors.”

With a smirk Karin winks at Jake, “Well Jake got his ass kicked by a pickpocket on our way back yesterday.”

“That’s not a big deal.”

“She was twelve Mira.” Karin added

“Woo!” Mira exclaimed then chuckled, “Really? What size are we talking off here?”

“Up to Karin I must say.” Lukas assured, turning Karin’s attention to him.

“I’m still here you know.” Elroy intruded - waving his hand.

“I noticed," Karin spoke instantly and unkindly, "since you couldn’t get enough of me.”

“Don’t get the wrong idea sweetheart, you only looked like some I thought I knew.”

“That, was cold.” Lukas spoke to lighten the intensifying atmosphere.

“I like this guy,” Jake added with a smile.

“Never imagined you had it in you El,” Mira spoke in surprise, holding unto Elroy’s shoulder, “meet Elroy my long lost friend.” She introduce him.

“Nice to meet you all.” Elroy greeted.

“Nice to meet you too El,” Lukas offers his hand.

“Sure.” Elroy shook his hand, “Its nice meeting you.”

“That name of yours looks daring and bold, but your looks say otherwise,” Karin spoke with a straight face.

“I’ll say the same thing for Lucas' looks and brute nature.”

Turning to Karin, Lucas smirks.

“You two will get along well,” Mira assured, “come on, let’s get to town before it starts raining.” Mira approached the free horse.

BEGINNING OF THE END

It was a cool and wonderful night in the kingdom of Riana, the clear sky lit up with clusters of stars, flickering grossly over the Castle, nobles, both men and women walked majestically into the compound, lightened up with lantern posts. From the gate down to the end of a junction before the Castle; Riana Soldiers stood guard on each side - in front of the hedgerow of Roses, wielding spears and steel kite shields with the Levia house figure, also the emblem of Riana. Adding to the blissful atmosphere were flutes and strings playing in dulcet tones to the soul’s content.

Now that the compound was full and awaiting, King Eric Levia steps out the Castle, alongside Prince Richard. Atari followed behind them, dressed in a crimson frock shaping out her average figures, her black, long wavy hair streaming down a shoulder.

As they walked down the stairs, everyone remained silent, even the instrumentals stopped playing, influencing a stand still in the compound.

Raising up a silver goblet, King Eric proclaimed, “To good life and well-being.”

“To good life and well-being,” the crowd chorused before lifting up their cups.

“It is indeed a blessing to have such grace overflowing in the Levia household, my son,” stretches his hands upwards so as to cross it over Prince Richard’s shoulder.

“Prince Richard has made Riana proud, not only did he come out victorious against the Drokan invasion, he did it without a scratch on him.”

In response to the praise given to Prince Richard the crowd applauded him with clenched hands above their heads and shouts of joy.

"Now,” King Eric interrupted, “I there by name Prince Richard Levia,” he places his hand on Richard’s head, who went on his knees before his father, “Crowned Prince to the Riana throne.”

Yet again, louder and joy filled than before, the crowd celebrated Prince Richard with shouting and toasts. Richard straightened up then hugged his father who patted his back warmly.

"You deserve it my son.” King Eric assured.

Prince Richard released himself from King Eric then embraced Atari before turning to the crowd in a position to address them, initiating them to settle down, contentment blazing out of his smile.

“I thank you all for being here, for your support and encouragements. May my Father in heaven continue to bless you all and reward you for your good deeds.”

“Amen!” Everyone responded then cheered for Prince Richard, the flutes and strings then continued from were they stopped.

Prince Richard approached the crowd, greeting everyone he seemed fit.

“Michael and Thomas have been taken care of, my lord.” Atari gave a wide berth behind King Eric.

“Good, their families?” King Eric sipped from his wine, his eyes fixed on Prince Richard.

“Taken into my custody and care.”

“Excellent, you have done well Atari.”

“Thank you my Lord,” She bowed.

"Any casualties?"

"I lost a sister to Michael's strength."

"Even with the poison in effect, my condolence."

"A fair price for a better future my Lord."

“Your loyalty is second to none Atari, remain by my side."

"As you wish my Lord."