The Call

King Elyon

Suddenly Dawn nickered, jolting Serene from her reverie.

A majestic figure of a man loomed over her, his cloak flowing in the wind behind his powerful physique. His beautiful dark hair framed a noble face, and his eyes burned like fire.

Trying to hide her Instinctively, drew her sword and stood to meet him. He slowly drew his sword and stepped into a fighting stance unknown to Serene. She steadied herself for a fight, waiting for him to advance. But he simply stared deeply into her eyes, showing no hint of movement. Finally, Serene felt her legs collapsing under her, and she fell to her knees before the man.

"Who are you?" she asked in awe. His physique was tall and strong, and his beautiful dark hair flew gently in the wind. He slid his magnificent sword into its sheath silently. He was certainly of noble blood. His eyes burned like fire, reminding her of Inimicus. She dropped her gaze immediately but then chanced another glance. When she did, she noticed that his eyes were different. They did not burn with hatred like her brother's but with power and authority.

"Serene!" His deep voice called her name tenderly. "Do you know me?"

Serene's breath caught in her throat. At his voice, she knew who he was.

"My lord, I'm not worthy to be in your presence." She lowered her face to the ground.

"Rise, my daughter, and be at peace. I came to speak with you." He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder to lift her up. Serene struggled to stand, lacking the strength to do so. Lord Elyon offered her his hand and pulled her to her feet, recovering her sword and handing it to her. When her footing was finally stable and her sword was sheathed, he looked deeply into her eyes, searching.

"You doubt, Serene. Why?"

The question was simple, but it pierced her to the heart. She couldn't look into his eyes.

"I don't know," she whispered.

Elyon smiled kindly. "You've been told many lies, yet you know the truth. It's time you act on that truth."

Serene looked up. "But I don't know what is true and what is false. I have no answers."

"Do you not know my Sacred Writings?"

"Yes," she replied hesitantly, anticipating his reply but not daring to say anything else.

"Then you know the truth." His finality was unmistakable, but her doubts hadn't left.

"I don't know what they mean," she tried to say, but no sound left her lips. Finally, she gave up and lowered her head. "Would you teach me?" she asked, barely above a whisper. Immediately, her request seemed foolish, but she couldn't take it back.

There was silence, and Serene chanced a glance upward at his face. He was smiling. He brought his hand to her shoulder and turned her a little to stand beside him.

"Come," he said in a gentle voice. "Walk with me." His hand fell from her shoulder, and he began to walk, Serene beside him.

"You wonder about the Conquest, do you not?" he inquired presently.

Serene looked up at him for a moment. "Yes," she answered quietly, still awed by his presence. "I've been taught so much about it, but when I spoke with Prince Romeni, he told me things contrary to what I'd been taught. He said that you lead the Conquest."

Elyon smiled. "Romeni has spoken truthfully of me. I do lead the Conquest, and the Conquest follows me. Many lies have been spread about my Conquest, but it's mine, and all those that belong to it shall be rewarded."