The Dragon gems

Chapter 1

The Kingdom of Undines

Across the great sea, encased by the ocean, was the Kingdom of Undines, a radiant gem amidst the waters. The city and its adjacent towns were ancient, with a history predating the Kingdoms themselves. Far back in the Middle Ages, Undines was a tumultuous region, ridden with war and crime, and poverty was widespread.

The houses were dilapidated, the streets filthy, and sustenance was scarce. Children were thrust into a demanding existence, where life was challenging and optimism scarce.

To combat these hardships, a vision was crafted: a fresh kingdom would be constructed. Prince Frederick and Princess Amelia, infused with aspiration and vigor, vowed to transform Undines for the better. They aspired to honor their ancestors and make Undines the most desirable place to reside amongst all kingdoms.

With this vision in their hearts, they began to restore Undines. They instituted just laws, created a police force to maintain peace, and nurtured businesses to provide employment. Schools were constructed to educate children, hospitals to care for the ill, and homes so every citizen had a roof over their heads.

As time passed, Undines improved. It flourished so much that people from all corners wanted to witness the city's resurgence. However, there were still areas that were unsafe, pockets where crime persisted, and places people feared to tread. Yet, things were beginning to look up.

In the city's most impoverished corner, a young girl named Kai resided. She and her mother, Heather, worked in a bakery, in a section of Undines rarely traversed by royalty or the wealthy. The incessant rain and formidable winds, coupled with recurrent droughts and acute poverty, made survival a daunting task. However, the royal family's initiatives and an impending crisis would soon ripple change into even this overlooked area of Undines.

Kai and her mother started yet another ordinary day in the small, modest bakery they operated in the city's poorest district. Life had turned even more challenging since Kai's elderly father had passed away.

On that day, Kai arose early in the morning, eager to start baking - an activity that brought a rare gleam of joy in her otherwise tough life. She left their humble abode as the sun began to illuminate the sky.

As she strolled, morning rain splattered gently onto the ancient cobblestone streets of Undine, making them shimmer. It resembled a typical city of the 18th century, with narrow streets flanked by houses erected closely together. These houses were built of stone and wood, with tiny windows and steep, pointed roofs. Every so often, a horse and cart would trundle by, their hooves clattering on the cobblestones.

The wind was robust, tugging at her brown hair and the apron she wore. Her simple cotton dress fluttered in the breeze. Yet, she didn't mind. She was accustomed to Undine's weather, which was often blustery and damp due to its proximity to the sea.

As the bakery's warmth engulfed her, the aroma of fresh bread enveloped the air. It was a comforting fragrance, one that triggered memories of happier times. The bakery was a cozy sanctuary, with a massive brick oven at its heart, where Kai and her mother labored diligently, kneading the dough and shaping it into loaves.

The tantalizing smell was so enticing that it made her mouth water. It was a smell that intertwined with the salty sea breeze and the moist earthiness of the rain-soaked streets. A beacon of hope in her otherwise challenging existence.

Throughout the day, Kai and her mother would bake fresh bread, the smell guiding them as they navigated their day's work. Even amid the rain and wind, Kai felt a flicker of joy in her heart. Because today, they were creating something special - warm, delicious loaves of fresh bread.