One of the more infamous of magical races are the Sirenae. Their scientific name derived from their Lynean common name "siren" which was coined by scholar Loreial Von Ruthren. In the second chapter of his book: "Uncovering Truths from Folktales"; he described the striking similarities of over a hundred folk stories collected from coastal settlements all over Asmeon. Each describing a striking similar creature, half human half fish, which prowls rocky coastlines and enchants unwitting victims with their beautiful appearance and enchanting singing voice. Once enraptured, the unlucky human will follow them into the ocean depths, only to never be seen again.
His findings lead to the common belief that the Sirenae have presented a major threat to human settlements everywhere for centuries, and with this belief came the assumption that they hunted humans as a source of food. This was disproven recently by a study conducted at the Order of Ingemar. They found the practice to be more ritualistic, done to gain standing among their own kind or for simple entertainment. Their records showed sirens often keeping trophies of their victims. Skulls, pieces of hair or bone weaved into necklaces or parts of clothing and worn on the body as a way of showing off their kills.
Attempts have been made to reach out to the siren colonies living off the coast of both Astresh and Iberios, but none succeeded at making contact with these hostile beings. Still, killings by Sirens have declined rapidly during the previous century due to the efforts of several dragon orders to help inform local communities on methods to stay safe.
~ The History and Peoples of Magic by Sir Rainaldus Gale
The smell of smoke and decay hung heavily in the air as Valerian took in what remained of the Northern slumps. It had taken three days for the fire to die down, leaving nothing but smoldering rubble behind. Soldiers and citizens rummaged through the area, clearing debris and recovering remains. He could hear soft cries as they uncovered loved ones, but overall a deadly silence ruled the area as an increasing amount of bodies were piled upon carts, destined for the mass grave outside of the city.
After all, infidels did not deserve a proper burial.
Another decision Valerian had made, which had been lauded by his father but had left the head of church in an unusual stillness. Perhaps even his black hole of a heart thought the prince had taken it too far. But, no matter his reservations, he hadn't condemned the command. Why would he? Valerian had proven himself to be the ideal tool, willing and able to do their dirty work.
He must be licking his chops, thinking I finally lost my mind as well.
Surveying the ruins of the once lively community, guilt weighed down his conscience. He had caused all of this. Not his father, not the church, it was all due to him.
He didn't allow the feelings to move him as he took a couple of deep breaths. Breaking down now would only waste the lives he had willingly sacrificed.
His mind flashed to when he had watched the fire grow into an inferno that devoured everything in its path. The scene had felt surreal from his vantage point within the castle and he had marveled at the fire's destructive power. That was until the screams of anguish started. He was suddenly hit by the full implications of what he had done, and he had started to cry. Wailing for the suffering he had caused, or maybe for the innocence he had lost. But even in the throws of his despair, he forced himself to keep on watching as his precious city crumbled further under the force of the fire's heat.
Milena had stood beside him stoically, seemingly unmoved by his outburst or by what was happening outside.
"Are you regretting it now?"
He remembered how her question had cut through the turmoil of his mind. Her lack of sympathy almost making him angry, as he wished that she could have been the warm mother figure he remembered, just this once. Still, he had answered without hesitation. His voice so frigid that he barely recognized it as his own.
YOU ARE READING
Tipping the Scale
FantasyIn a country, where magic and knowledge is limited to the elite. The underclass have finally had enough. A revolution has tipped the scale of power, and the powerless have become in charge. All that was a symbol of magic has been destroyed, its hist...
