Journal of Fire: Embers

Chapter 8, The Match is Lit

(Narrator + Queen Elden)

Year 0 A.D., The First Night of Winter

Meadow Heights, Donan

The tense atmosphere in the room was unbearable. A variety of royalty sat around the circular cedar table of the Van Kross estate, known as Meadow Heights. Those within the room shared little in common other than their respective titles and impressive power. There was little conversation as the royals anxiously waited for the news.

The occasion which united the diverse group was the invasion of Krotrean, and every participant was eager to hear the outcome. King Van Kross of Donan sat upon an iron chair, stroking his blonde beard thoughtfully. He wore a frown, for he was finally feeling the stress of the situation. The sudden disappearance of Isaac Banzor weighed heavily upon him, for he had left before the king could consult him on the invasion. Isaac would have some answering to do, should he be found, he thought.

The king looked around the room, taking in his guests. It was understood that this operation's success would determine how Rania's future unfolded. Among those in attendance was the royalty of five kingdoms within Rania. The mighty kingdoms of Velas and Donan undisputedly humbled all others within Rania in terms of power. Almost every royal accepted this fact at least a hundred years ago. However, several noteworthy exceptions were the Barter family of Ertore and the royals of all three Raikelian kingdoms, who still thought themselves contenders in the conquest of Rania.

"In a dream, Solomon came to me," Van Kross began. Upon seeing their lord talking, the servants dismissed themselves to another room. Those around the table sat straight, paying the king of Donan respect. Conversations ended, and ears started listening.

"It was in a green, grassy field, with flowers blooming everywhere. He looked at me with sorrow in his eyes. His sadness brought me to my knees, and I lost a tear to it. I begged him to tell me what had saddened him so. His response is what has brought us here today. For many hours we spoke of the events in this world, what they mean, and what the future could hold. He told me how to improve this world we inhabit, how to be a better king, man, and father. However, it was the last thing that he told me, right before the dream ended, that is important to you all," he finished.

Van Kross had the full attention of his audience, and the royals gathered around the semi-circular table all stared intently at the man who sat upon the throne. Several didn't appreciate the theatrics, while some found it welcoming.

"Solomon foretold that there was one future in which our gods and kingdoms could prosper and live, and the gods' game would end quite early. However, I should warn you that the only pathway to achieve this utopia is under Solomon's leadership and perfect cooperation between our kingdoms. This future comes with other possibilities that may not be ideal for anyone. If we fail, the gods' game would still end early, but not in favor of today's group. He desired for me to spread this message. He urged me to tell all of you that he gazed far into the future of every kingdom and that there are but three possible victors. It shall be all of us, only Donan, or only Velas," the king dramatically stated.

Such a bold statement was unheard of. The claim alone would typically invoke violence from any of the given royals. On this occasion, however, not a word was spoken. One royal grimaced, staring down at the table. Others appeared equally frustrated, some even infuriated, but they sat silently. The thought of joining forces with Donan was unpleasant, and to put their god and kingdom under the leadership of Solomon was unthinkable. The harsh reality that each faced was the thought of completely losing the gods' game.

It would be the ultimate disgrace to be the royal that failed their god or goddess in such a way. In their minds, they found truth in what the king said, despite not bearing witness to the prophecy. Even a blind man could see that Donan or Velas would reign. The king gave them several minutes to think about the subject before speaking again.