The Sins of the God King

Chapter 11 : Lyferia

Two soldiers carried the wounded Lyferia towards the Queen's carriage, their footsteps heavy with the weight of their captive. As they reached their destination, one of the soldiers knocked on the  carriage door, which opened slowly, revealing Queen Leiyuneth standing there with an air of regality. Gracefully, she stepped out of the carriage, her presence commanding respect. The two soldiers bowed before her, leaving Lyferia to fall to her knees, wracked with pain. It was in this moment of agony that the Queen began to speak.

"You stand accused of treason, Lyferia Coult, for allowing your son to flee alongside our kingdom's esteemed General. Explain yourself," Queen Leiyuneth demanded. Lyferia, her voice strained with pain, mustered her strength to answer. "Your grace, as a mother, the safety and well-being of my child are paramount to me. I cannot bear to see him sent off to war or subjected to a life of servitude. You may execute me if you wish, but I will never regret protecting my son."

The Queen's lips curved into a slight smile, intrigued by Lyferia 's unwavering resolve. "You did not mention General Sartos' involvement. How did you manage to sway a decorated army general to betray the Queen's decrees?" Lyferia, still enduring her physical torment, pushed through the pain to respond. "Your grace, Sartos and I share a belief in my husband's innocence. He acted out of loyalty and would do the same for Sartos if their roles were reversed."

Queen Leiyuneth, her patience wearing thin, pressed on. "If your husband is truly innocent, why is he not here? Why did he disappear after the incident? There were no other conjurers present at the North Fort besides him."

Lyferia struggled to her feet. "Your Grace, there's a strong possibility he is already dead. We are being persecuted unjustly." 

"Dead?" Queen Leiyuneth's voice sharpened. "Then explain how a screecher reached our shores unnoticed, Lyferia. Screechers reside on an island where they are the only living creatures. No warlocks or gods can even get close to them. And despite all of this, the only conjurer present at the scene is missing. If you can't connect the dots, then you are a fool."

The Queen's irritation began to show as she continues, "We are without a king, and the leaders of the ten region are no more. My power as a Queen cannot hold this Kingdom together. Without a King and no Lords to proclaim a new one, Torryn Kingdom will be divided...And in the time, where we are in the middle of another invasion attempt by Navo'ri Empire. Your husband is alive and guilty, and he kill us all."

A heavy silence, the weight of the Queen's words lingering. Lyferia, unwavering in her resolve, spoke softly yet firmly, "As I said before, your grace, I am prepared to face any punishment for my supposed crimes." The Queen locked eyes with Lyferia, "Indeed, you will be punished, I already sent a group of soldiers to track your son and kill him. You will live to mourn the son who you desperately saved. And as for you , you shall be given a chance to redeem yourself on the battlefield. You will assume your husband's role as the leader of the conjurer army faction. It will be your responsibility to halt the invading fleet. Failure to do so will result in burning of Xeldoria's children and elders."

Lyferia absorbed the Queen's words, she somehow didn't get bothered by Lest's being hunted, for she knows Sartos will not let it happen. The one shes dreading is the Xeldorian children and elder's safety if they fail. a mix of dread and regret washing over her. She knew the weight of the task that lay ahead, and the sacrifices that she would be forced to make.

Lyferia, gathering her courage, took a deep breath before making her request to the Queen. "Your grace, if I may humbly ask, please spare the young, inexperienced conjurers from joining the war. They have yet to participate in the Gathering, where they can acquire the creatures necessary for war. At best, they can only summon common house cats, and they will be more of a hindrance than help in our war efforts. It would be more beneficial for them to undergo the Gathering first."

The Queen's laughter rang through the air, her amusement evident. "How audacious of you to ask for favors, Lyferia. Let them fight with their conjured rats, for all I care." With a dismissive wave of her hand, the Queen summoned a faith to attend to Lyferia 's wounds. "Ensure she receives the best care possible. At dawn, she and her people should be ready to march towards the North Fort," the Queen commanded before retreating into her carriage.

Lyferia, although disappointed by the Queen's response, she accepted her fate.

---------------------------------------------------

As the first rays of dawn broke through the horizon, Xeldoria was shrouded in an atmosphere of despair and heartbreak. The village echoed with the anguished cries of parents being forcibly separated from their children, and elders being torn away from their families.

Pontius is escorted by two soldier, his eyes were filled with fear. He is wearing his sleeping tunic still and covered by his auburn coat. It was a scene of sorrow and anguish, a dawn that would forever be etched in the collective memory of Xeldoria as the saddest they had ever witnessed.

Thanks to the faith's intervention, Lyferia 's wounded leg had miraculously healed, allowing her to walk with renewed strength. As she made her way towards the village gates, she could feel the weight of countless eyes upon her. The gaze of the Xeldorians bore into her, filled with resentment and hatred. Lyferia bowed her head, attempting to shield herself from the piercing stares, yet unable to ignore the hostility that surrounded her.

Amidst the sea of glares, a desperate couple approached Lyferia. Their voices trembled with anguish and frustration as they spoke, pouring out their grievances. "Our children have been snatched away from us. Our grandmother, the pillar of our family, has also been taken. And now, we are being forced to march into war once again, to face certain death—all because of your husband. Just tell where he is hiding, and perhaps we can salvage our lives back!"

Lyferia stood before them, her heart heavy with their accusations and pain. She had no answers to offer, no solace to give. All she could do was walk away in silence, grappling with the weight of her husband's absence and the burden she now carried as the leader of this group. In her mind, she wondered how she would guide these shattered souls when their resentment.

As if on cue, a mournful horn resounded through the village, its melancholic notes signaling the start of their arduous march. Lyferia took a deep breath, gathering her resolve, and prepared to lead her people towards the North Fort.