Age of the Dragon Chronicles

Chapter 4 - Bloodstained Legacy

Aedan rubbed his forehead, staring at the paperwork stacked in front of him with exhaustion. He picked up another letter, noticing its slight weight. Turning it over, he noticed it was written in the lettering of Alagaesia. His heart skipped a beat as he carefully tried to translate the runes into the King's Tongue.

A golden band clattered onto his desk, and he noticed unfamiliar runes carved along the inside. Curious, he turned to the letter.

My Dearest Aedan,

As I sit here with parchment in hand, my heart dances with anticipation, eager to pour out the emotions that have filled my soul since the moment our betrothal was announced. Words alone cannot capture the depth of my affection for you nor the boundless joy that fills me at the thought of our impending union.

With each passing day, my excitement grows, like a flame fanned by the gentlest breeze, until it consumes my every thought. The prospect of becoming your wife, of sharing my life with you in love and partnership, fills me with happiness beyond measure.

I find myself dreaming of our future together, imagining the countless moments we will share as husband and wife. From the quiet mornings spent in each other's arms to the lively evenings filled with laughter and conversation, I long for the simple pleasures of everyday life with you by my side.

But beyond the walls of our beloved home, there lies a world waiting to be explored—a world you have described to me in such vivid detail. Your stories of distant lands and breathtaking landscapes have ignited a curiosity within me, and I find myself yearning to see the places that have captured your heart.

Oh, how I long to walk beside you through fields of golden wheat, to gaze upon the rolling hills and ancient forests that you have described with such reverence. To stand together atop a windswept cliff, watching as the sun sets over the vast expanse of land, knowing that we are but a small part of something infinitely greater.

As the days draw nearer to our wedding, I cannot help but imagine the adventures that await us, both near and far. And though I may never tire of exploring the depths of your heart, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to see the world through your eyes, to experience its wonders alongside you.

In anticipation of our union, I have had a ring crafted for you—a symbol of our love and commitment to one another. It is a simple band, yet it bears the weight of my devotion, and I hope it will serve as a reminder of the bond we share, even in the moments when we are apart.

But there is more to this ring than meets the eye, my love. For within its band lies a powerful enchantment, one that will ensure our hearts are always connected, no matter where our paths may lead. So long as this ring touches our skin, we will never be truly apart, for it will guide us back to one another like a beacon in the darkest night.

Until then, my beloved, know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers and that my love for you will endure forever.

Yours forever and always,

Sigrun

He'd barely finished reading the letter when he heard his sister's mabari barking loudly. He grabbed the ring, sliding it on his finger and stuffing the letter into his coat as he stood up.

"Something is wrong," he frowned, reaching for his sword, which he kept beside his bed.

He'd just reached the door, sword in hand, when he heard his mother's agonised wail. He pulled his door open, seeing Elissa standing at the door to Fergus's room, her face pale. Brynn was crouched at Elissa's heels, whining.

Aedan rushed to them.

"Elissa!? What's-" That's when he saw the bodies scattered in the hallway. "Maker..."

Elissa looked at him, her blue eyes spilling with tears.

"El, what's...?"

"Dead," she croaked. "They killed Oriana and Oren..."

He looked in the door, horrified, seeing his mother cradling the pale body of the six-year-old boy.

"El, what's going on?" he demanded, looking over at his bloodstained sister.

She was dressed in only a nightdress, while his mother had a gown thrown over hers. Noises had clearly waked them, which he'd somehow missed.

"Arl Howe's men... they're killing everyone," she whispered. "They killed... they killed Dairren,"

The implication that the young nobleman had been in his sister's room at the time of the attack was not lost on Aedan, but he had more important things to worry about than who his sister chose to sleep with.

"Mother," Aedan called out. "Where is Father?"

His mother looked up, her expression one of rage and pain.

"He should be in his study," she said. "I will kill Hower for this... my poor grandbaby..."

"Then we should find him," Aedan said. "El, go fetch your armour. Mother--"

"I will fetch my armour as well," she said, gently laying the little boy down.

Aedan knew better than to argue and simply nodded as the two women hurried to their rooms. Aedan trusted Brynn to protect Elissa while he went to watch his mother's door against another attack.

He felt a pulse, like a heartbeat on his finger, and glanced at the ring.

"Sigrun," he murmured, and a small glowing arrow appeared above his ring, pointing towards the east.

He smiled fondly and clenched his fist.

"Be patient, my love," he murmured. "I will come to you once I have reclaimed my home and killed the man who dared try to part us."

His blue eyes flared with fury as he looked back towards his brother's room.

"Mine will be a legacy of blood to all who think I will shrink from my duty," he growled.